Since President Donald Trump’s election, Disney and its CEO, Bob Iger, have entirely changed their stance on the President and his politics. Disney spent years fighting against laws in Florida that it believed discriminated against the LGBTQ community and working toward inclusion in its films, but it’s a new day at Disney. Disney settled its ABC News lawsuit with Trump ...
Read More »Author Archives: Rick Lye
‘Lilo & Stitch’ is About to Make Everyone Forget About Disney’s Live-Action Mishaps
The Rise and Fall of Disney’s Live-Action Films A rollercoaster of success and failure has marked Disney’s transition to live-action adaptations. The studio previously celebrated monumental achievements with films like Beauty and the Beast (2017), Aladdin (2019), and The Lion King (2019), which captured widespread admiration and amassed billions at the box office. However, the industry landscape shifted drastically with ...
Read More »Disney Moving Away From Walt’s Vision Is Crushing a Once-Thriving California Industry
In 1923, a 21-year-old Walt Disney moved to Hollywood to start his animation studio. He chose the West Coast over the capital of animation, New York City, because his brother, Roy, was in Los Angeles recovering from tuberculosis. By 1926, Walt had hired legendary animator Ub Iwerks and opened the Walt Disney Studio. For decades, Walt and his studio pumped ...
Read More »New Updates Enhance Disney’s Disability Access Service for Guests
Overview of Disney’s DAS Updates Disney has implemented significant updates to its Disability Access Service (DAS), enhancing accessibility for guests at both Disney World and Disneyland. These modifications aim to address concerns surrounding the program’s misuse, which had caused frustration among legitimate users seeking help. The adjustments are part of Disney’s commitment to ensure that the DAS effectively serves those ...
Read More »Can Disney World Be Done on the ‘Cheap?’ Depends How You Define Cheap
Analyzing the Financials of a Disney Trip A recent analysis highlights the escalating financial demands of a Disney World trip. Ticket prices have seen a significant increase, particularly for the iconic Magic Kingdom, making it a costly destination for families. Currently, a two-day ticket hovers around $365. This pricing places Disney World among the pricier theme park experiences in the ...
Read More »Concerns Rise as Disney Imagineering Faces Scrutiny for Disneyland Abu Dhabi
Project Overview and Expectations Disneyland Abu Dhabi stands at the forefront of Disney’s ambitious plans in the United Arab Emirates. Promising to be “the most technologically advanced theme park that we’ve ever built,” Disneyland Abu Dhabi aims to set new standards in theme park design and experience. With a modern castle as its centerpiece, the park seeks to revolutionize conventional ...
Read More »Texas ‘Disneyland’ Runs Into NIMBY as Neighbors Reject Theme Park
Vision for TexasLand Theme Park TexasLand is an ambitious theme park project envisioned by Lizzy McGee, a seasoned market analyst with experience at The Walt Disney Company. McGee, a sixth-generation Texan, aims to create a destination that competes with Disneyland and Disney World. The park’s design focuses on immersing guests in Texas history through storytelling, celebrating the culture and heritage ...
Read More »Central Florida Theme Parks Eye 400 Acre Expansion To Compete With Disney World and Universal
The age of expansion for Central Florida’s theme parks is upon us. Over the next decade, guests can expect an explosion at the parks. Those expansion projects officially kick off in less than a week with the opening of Epic Universe, But even Epic Universe has left open land for future expansions. While Walt Disney World doesn’t have a new ...
Read More »Florida’s Tourism Tax Reform to Directly Impact Future Disney World Vacation Budgets
Florida Legislature’s Approval of TDT Amendments The Florida Legislature has recently approved significant amendments to the Tourism Development Tax (TDT), which will directly impact upcoming Disney World vacations. With a current tax rate of six percent in Orange County, travelers should anticipate that this figure may rise as the state shifts its focus toward generating more revenue from tourism. This ...
Read More »Did Disneyland Just Create a Tribute to Donald Trump for Park’s 70th Anniversary?
Disneyland is just days away from opening its 70th Anniversary celebration. Disneyland Park and Disney’s California Adventure will be transformed to ring in the celebration, including an updated look for Sleeping Beauty Castle. The park’s real 70th birthday isn’t until July 15, when Walt Disney officially welcomed the world into his dream. While most of the festivities will begin on ...
Read More »