This week, Disney’s losses in 2020 weren’t as bad as expected, Disneyland not opening in 2020, updates coming to the parks, a first look at the Spider-Man vehicle, the holidays come to the resort, we talk to former cast member Jesse, and more!
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News:
Last Thursday, Disney held their Q4 earnings report and fiscal 2020 year end results. The company had 14 billion in revenue, beating expectations. The Disney Parks had the worst loss in the company with a 61% decrease in revenue, resulting in a 1.1 billion dollar loss. Disney estimates the total impact from COVID-19 in 2020 was 7.4 billion overall. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/breaking-disney-parks-experiences-and-products-segment-records-loss-of-1-1-billion-in-q4-2020/
During the 2020 earnings call last week, Disney CEO Bob Chapek dropped the news that they did not think that Disneyland would be open in the fiscal first quarter of 2021. This is confusing some as different online publications are saying this means until March 2021, but the way that Disney has it’s fiscal years setup means that Disneyland will not be open for the rest of 2020. The second fiscal quarter starts in January, 2021. – https://www.micechat.com/275082-disneyland-update-open-and-closed-as-disneyland-faces-a-purple-christmas/
Most of California, including Orange County where Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, and Knott’s Berry Farm are located have slid back into the purple zone on California’s COVID-19 blueprint. This means that even the smaller amusement parks need to close down again, and indoor dining will not be allowed, with fewer guests allowed inside retail locations. For Downtown Disney, this means a return to outdoor dining only, and longer lines for the retail stores. – https://www.micechat.com/275082-disneyland-update-open-and-closed-as-disneyland-faces-a-purple-christmas/ and https://www.ocregister.com/2020/11/16/disneyland-and-knotts-further-from-reopening-with-orange-countys-slide-into-most-restrictive-covid-19-tier/
Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, presented at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, or IAAPA, Virtual Education Conference. During the presentation, he showed off some positive changes coming to the parks around the world. At Disneyland, Avengers Campus is working toward completion, with the bulk of the additions happening at other parks. – https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/updates-on-new-disney-parks-attractions-entertainment-offer-glimpse-of-exciting-future/
This week, we received a first look at the actual ride vehicle for the new Spider-Man attraction coming to Avenger’s Campus. The new attraction, named “Web Slingers: A Spider-Man Adventure” will be the new e-ticket in the land when it opens. The ride vehicles are enclosed and give the feel of a much smaller Guardian’s gantry lift. The side of the vehicle opens to allow guests to board in a single line facing outward so they can sling webs! – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/16/pics-check-out-the-ride-vehicles-for-the-upcoming-web-slingers-a-spider-man-adventure-in-disneyland/
At the IAAPA Expo, Josh D’Amaro stated that more inclusion projects will be coming to the parks after the Splash Mountain retheming. This is part of the fifth key in Cast Member training that was announced in September. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/josh-damaro-states-there-will-be-more-inclusion-projects-for-disney-parks-starting-with-splash-mountain-retheming/
The holidays have officially arrived at the Disneyland Resort with a number of seasonal shopping and dining options now available. Black Tap has a Thanksgiving Burger, La Brea Bakery has a few different spirits to choose from like the Merry Manhattan, the Tinsel-Tini, a Mistletoe Margarita, the Joyful Daiquiri, and the Jolly Old Fashioned. Earl of Sandwich, California Churro, Wetzel’s Pretzels, and Marceline’s Confectionery also have some festive options. A holiday favorite will not be returning this year. The infamous Disneyland Candy Cane will not be avaliable. – https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2020/11/16/take-a-look-at-the-seasonal-shopping-and-dining-available-at-downtown-disney/ and https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2020/11/shop-sip-savor-and-celebrate-the-holiday-season-at-downtown-disney-district-at-disneyland-resort/
For merchandise, holiday options are coming to a lot of Downtown Disney shops, the Backlot Premiere Shop, and Buena Vista Street Shops. If you are able, we would encourage a donation to the Toys for Tots boxes outside of World of Disney, since Disney will donate an additional $1 for every toy donated. You can also donate on shopdisney.com/toysfortots.
Buena Vista Street has been decorated for a little bit now for the holidays, but that has finally spilled out into the main Downtown Disney District. Decorated Christmas trees have been added to the planters, toy soldiers have been placed, lights and packages have also been scattered about. Some festive holiday banners have been installed by the old AMC theater, and Christmas music fills the air. A Downtown Disney Christmas Tree has also been installed near the esplanade. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/photos-video-christmas-decorations-appear-at-downtown-disney-district-and-buena-vista-street-at-disneyland-resort/
MiceChat noticed some Christmas decorations through the front gates of Disneyland recently, giving guests hope that Main Street might reopen, much like Buena Vista Street. Unfortunately, it looks like the decorations were just setup for some form of production in the park, and have been removed. – https://www.micechat.com/275082-disneyland-update-open-and-closed-as-disneyland-faces-a-purple-christmas/
The former location of the Wonderground Gallery in Downtown Disney has received a new Star Wars Trading Post sign. The new sign gives guests a better idea of what the location is, since the previous exterior didn’t explicitly say what the store was. – https://www.micechat.com/275082-disneyland-update-open-and-closed-as-disneyland-faces-a-purple-christmas/
MiceChat posted an aerial update for Disneyland this week. Scaffolding has come down around Snow White, King Arthur Carrousel, and The Haunted Mansion, showing completed, or mostly completed exterior work on these attractions. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has also been going up at a rapid pace! – https://www.micechat.com/275082-disneyland-update-open-and-closed-as-disneyland-faces-a-purple-christmas/
New Disney Parks Pals Collectibuilds have arrived! Each mystery box contains one of twelve collectibles, with the box being able to fold into an attraction vehicle. For series 1, a Monorail, train, Kilimanjaro Safari truck, Peter Pan’s Flight pirate ship, and Space Mountain rocket ship are the options. The new pals are $9.99 and have been spotted in World of Disney. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/photos-video-new-disney-park-pals-collectabuilds-mystery-boxes-include-character-figure-and-buildable-ride-attraction-vehicles/
Black Tap has come up with another tasty treat, this time themed to Mickey Mouse! The Special Edition Shake features a strawberry shake with a vanilla frosted rim with Mickey Mouse sprinkles topped with a homemade Mickey Mouse shaped crisped rice treat, white and red rock candy, whipped cream, red sprinkles and a cherry on top. The shake costs $24, and is available daily. – https://twitter.com/Disneyland/status/1328387154263805953
Disney posted a preview of the last Minnie the Main Attraction collection this week. The final design is based on fireworks and Disney Castles. Like the previous sets, there will be Minnie ears, mug, pin set, a Loungefly backpack, and a Minnie plush. The final set should be open for MerchPass next month. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/photo-first-look-at-new-nighttime-fireworks-castle-finale-collection-for-minnie-mouse-the-main-attraction-series/
The Disney Holiday Sing Along lineup has been announced. Ryan Seacrest will return as host and will include BTS, Michael Buble, Adam Lambert, and more. Plus, returning favorites Derek and Julianne Hough will also be part of the singalong. The North American touring companies of Frozen, Aladdin and The Lion King will also make an appearance. Disney’s a cappella group, DCappella, will also be joining in on the magical holiday fun. For a complete list, check out the link in our show notes. “The Disney Holiday Sing Along” will air on Monday, Nov. 30 at 8/7c on ABC. – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/complete-lineup-for-the-disney-holiday-singalong-revealed-featuring-performances-by-bts-chloe-x-halle-michael-buble-and-more/
This week has a TON of special streams from D23, the official Disney fan club. As of the recording of this episode, all the public presentations are available on their YouTube page to watch. Topics include The Fantasia Legacy, Storytelling through Merchandise, Marvel’s 616, 80 Years of Captain America, Mickey and Minnie on their Birthday, Walt Disney World: Destination Tomorrow, Epcot – the Magic of Possibility and more! – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHMUXx74VWs and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eqdldgTBcI and https://d23.com/d23-event/fantastic-worlds-celebration-week/
Grand Californian is reopening with no dining, shopping, and only one pool.
Other services that will not be available include:
Bell Services, which will still deliver luggage but will not escort guests
Disney Floral & Gifts
Dry-cleaning and valet laundry (self-service laundry will remain available)
Shipping services
Valet parking – https://dlnewstoday.com/2020/11/disneys-grand-californian-hotel-spa-reopening-with-no-dining-shopping-and-only-one-pool/
Discussion Topic:
Former Merchandise Cast Member Jesse
