Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2022 Edition

[Chernabob]

I do it. I'll give you my reasoning, noting that people have different priorities, different definitions of "value" and different ideas of how they want to distribute their time and money when it comes to Disney trips. For me, it's simple. I'm on the "mature" side, LOL. I'm AP and go several times a year, usually for holidays and special events. My kids are 22 and 18. My older daughter is a CM. We enjoy spending time together at the MK soaking in the ambiance of the various holiday parties. We like the decorations, entertainment, parades, characters. My personal #1 priority is fireworks. That's my thing. I don't mind paying to have a reserved fireworks viewing spot in the Plaza Garden (or at a Tomorrowland Terrace seated view on NYE). I dislike watching fireworks in a crowd and I'm past staking out a spot in advance. And trust me, the hub crowds are pretty intense during parties. I used to do those things when I was younger and when my kids were younger. Now? I prefer to wander the MK for a couple of hours enjoying the holiday party, get my Dessert Party wristband, sit in comfort and have some drinks or coffee and treats with my older kids, then see the fireworks from my favorite spot in the Plaza Garden reserved viewing area, then continue to wander the MK enjoying the holiday party until closing time. Regarding the dessert party duration - you don't have to sit at the dessert party for the entirety of the party. You are free to come and go as you please. Usually my kids sit with me for awhile and then run off and ride some Tomorrowland rides or go to Main St for the early parade, then come back and pick up more drinks/treats to carry over to the Plaza Garden viewing area. The financial trade-off? We don't do dinner at BOG or CRT on a trip that includes a dessert party. It's an almost even trade. We're good with that. That's my reasoning, since you asked. Simply a matter of my personal taste, preference, prioritization. One person's point of view. Hope that helps.

This was a great read. I hope to be you someday!!!

 

[1lilspark]

Several character meet and greets to be cut at Walt Disney World as labor shortage continues​

According to those familiar with the situation, several character meet and greets will be cut starting Sunday October 23 2022. It isn't clear how long the meet and greet reductions will be in effect.

Areas impacted so far include Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater, Minnie Mouse at EPCOT International Gateway, Donald, Daisy, and Max at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Pete's Silly Sideshow in Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom remains closed, with no return to normal operations currently in sight.

As more character dining returns and cast-intensive shows like Fantasmic!, standard meet and greets have less access to the already constrained performer pool.

Entertainment Cast Members are frequently working six days a week with few opportunities for days off.

The return of the Disney College Program may ease the situation in the coming months, but Disney may be forced to adjust the character dining lineup to assist meet and greets.

So I’m guessing in addition to lackluster courses the entertainment at wine & dine will be slim to none meanwhile in California they get new meets with mando & Grogu, black panther characters, & probably characters from Strange Worlds

 

[BrianL]

So I’m guessing in addition to lackluster courses the entertainment at wine & dine will be slim to none meanwhile in California they get new meets with mando & Grogu, black panther characters, & probably characters from Strange Worlds

To be fair, the availablilty of performers in Southern California is much larger than in Orlando. DL has access to everyone who wants to make it in Hollywood, which is why entertainment quality is generally higher at DLR.

 

[jpeterson]

To be fair, the availablilty of performers in Southern California is much larger than in Orlando. DL has access to everyone who wants to make it in Hollywood, which is why entertainment quality is generally higher at DLR.

Wait! You are saying that people don't move to Central Florida to live out their acting aspirations?

 

[Jrb1979]

Why not get rid of some of the character dining and move them into the parks instead. They really don't need all the character dining they have. IMO get rid of the ones in the parks and limit it to the resorts. Use the ones in the parks to have more meet and greets in the parks.

 

[DisSurfer878]

So I’m guessing in addition to lackluster courses the entertainment at wine & dine will be slim to none meanwhile in California they get new meets with mando & Grogu, black panther characters, & probably characters from Strange Worlds

Amazing that people would rather work in California then Florida. Can't even begin to imagine why that is... hmm... nope.. nothing comes to mind....

 

[Smugpugmug]

Why not get rid of some of the character dining and move them into the parks instead. They really don't need all the character dining they have. IMO get rid of the ones in the parks and limit it to the resorts. Use the ones in the parks to have more meet and greets in the parks.

Character dining is a big money maker for Disney. Many people, especially those with small kids, book those restaurants because of the characters rather than the food. I see people all the time say that they only go to Chef Mickeys because of the characters as the food is kinda bad.

 

[TikiRob]

I do it. I'll give you my reasoning, noting that people have different priorities, different definitions of "value" and different ideas of how they want to distribute their time and money when it comes to Disney trips. For me, it's simple. I'm on the "mature" side, LOL. I'm AP and go several times a year, usually for holidays and special events. My kids are 22 and 18. My older daughter is a CM. We enjoy spending time together at the MK soaking in the ambiance of the various holiday parties. We like the decorations, entertainment, parades, characters. My personal #1 priority is fireworks. That's my thing. I don't mind paying to have a reserved fireworks viewing spot in the Plaza Garden (or at a Tomorrowland Terrace seated view on NYE). I dislike watching fireworks in a crowd and I'm past staking out a spot in advance. And trust me, the hub crowds are pretty intense during parties. I used to do those things when I was younger and when my kids were younger. Now? I prefer to wander the MK for a couple of hours enjoying the holiday party, get my Dessert Party wristband, sit in comfort and have some drinks or coffee and treats with my older kids, then see the fireworks from my favorite spot in the Plaza Garden reserved viewing area, then continue to wander the MK enjoying the holiday party until closing time. Regarding the dessert party duration - you don't have to sit at the dessert party for the entirety of the party. You are free to come and go as you please. Usually my kids sit with me for awhile and then run off and ride some Tomorrowland rides or go to Main St for the early parade, then come back and pick up more drinks/treats to carry over to the Plaza Garden viewing area. The financial trade-off? We don't do dinner at BOG or CRT on a trip that includes a dessert party. It's an almost even trade. We're good with that. That's my reasoning, since you asked. Simply a matter of my personal taste, preference, prioritization. One person's point of view. Hope that helps.

Dang, you just talked me into the dessert party on 11/27!

 

[Jrb1979]

Character dining is a big money maker for Disney. Many people, especially those with small kids, book those restaurants because of the characters rather than the food. I see people all the time say that they only go to Chef Mickeys because of the characters as the food is kinda bad.

Keep the Character dining at the resorts but take the ones in the parks and use them for meet and greets til things get more normal.

 

[BrianL]

Keep the Character dining at the resorts but take the ones in the parks and use them for meet and greets til things get more normal.

I don't think they will take characters away from revenue-generating venues to put them into included venues.

What they really need to do is assess their labor practices, make needed adjustments, and staff-up for all areas of the parks & resorts.

 

[lowlight]

Keep the Character dining at the resorts but take the ones in the parks and use them for meet and greets til things get more normal.

Maybe Disney could introduce something called “variable employee pricing”, where on days they are understaffed and still charging guests the full amount, they pay employees x$ more per hour to encourage full staffing. I’ve seen this price model somewhere before…

 

[Jrb1979]

I don't think they will take characters away from revenue-generating venues to put them into included venues.

What they really need to do is assess their labor practices, make needed adjustments, and staff-up for all areas of the parks & resorts.

Maybe the future is less "free" meet and greets and more character dining.

 

[Eeyore daily]

https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/b...-studios-nov-3/?CMP=SOC-DPFY23Q1wo1013220045A

Fantasmic coming back November 3rd

 

[HokieRaven5]

NEW: Fantasmic! will officially be listed as a 29-minute show. It was previously listed at 26 minutes.

Scott Gustin Twitter

 

[mrsap]

Disney has announced that Fantasmic will reopen on November 3, 2022 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Here’s the announcement:

“Welcome to Fantasmic! …”

I know a lot of people have been waiting a long time to hear those iconic words again. That’s why I could not be more excited to share that “Fantasmic!” returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Nov. 3.



Back and better than ever, the larger-than-life, open-air nighttime musical will boast the live performers, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics you know and love – complete with a brand-new show sequence!

“Through this entire sequence, we go on a journey with our heroes. We see them faced with a decision, and how hard that can be for them, then watch as they find that strength within themselves to push through in a truly spectacular way,” says Disney Live Entertainment Show Director, Matthew Hamel.


And spectacular it is. The new heroes sequence features a high-energy Aladdin chase with stunts never before seen on the “Fantasmic!” stage, a powerful scene with Elsa set to the song “Show Yourself” that is sure to thaw the most frozen of hearts, and stirring moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan. Fun fact: To help choreograph the authentic Chinese martial arts you’ll see in Mulan’s scene, the creative team brought in Mimi Chan – the original muse and model animators used when bringing the character of Mulan to life for the 1998 animated film.

“We know this show means so much to people, and we’ve kept that in mind every step of this journey.” says Disney Live Entertainment Producer, Laurice Marier. “Even beyond the new scene, we’ve taken this time to upgrade the lasers, the lighting, the sound, all to bring this show back even more beautiful than it’s ever been. We’re all really just so excited for guests to see it.”


And not just our guests – our cast members are also thrilled about the return of “Fantasmic!”. To celebrate the homecoming of this beloved show, Walt Disney World cast members will be among the first to see “Fantasmic!” with special previews … so, to all my cast member friends, stay tuned! We’ll share more about that later.

So, will the powers of Mickey’s incredible imagination still be strong enough, and bright enough, to withstand the evil forces that invade Mickey’s dreams? We are about to find out. See you there!

And don’t miss out! Beginning Oct. 26, “Fantasmic!” dining packages for select restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available for performances Nov. 30 and beyond.

 

[mrsap]

New ‘Fantasmic!’ Show Will Be Longer, Disney World Offers Details of New Scenes & Upgrades

When it returns November 3, 2022, Fantasmic will be a slightly longer show than it was in 2020 (h/t Scott Gustin). Previously a 26-27 minute show, Fantasmic will be 29 minutes when it returns in a few weeks. Disney World offered the following details about the show’s return, including some more info about new scenes:

Forces of good and evil will once again battle it out in Mickey’s dream as the long-awaited return of Fantasmic! debuts Nov. 3 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort. The legendary nighttime spectacular invites guests into Mickey’s imagination for a larger-than-life show painted on a grand canvas of dancing water overflowing with silly and suspenseful surprises.

The elaborate 29-minute nighttime spectacular takes place nightly – a kaleidoscope of entertainment featuring thrilling stunts, dazzling special effects and a rousing score based on classic Disney animated films. Fantasmic! is just one of many new and returning live-entertainment experiences guests can enjoy during the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration.

Eye-Catching Visuals, Immersive Storytelling
The show combines live performers with stunning special effects, colorful pyrotechnic explosions, animation and dancing waters synchronized to the melodies of timeless Disney classics.

“It was extremely exciting to take advantage of technological enhancements that didn’t originally exist when the show opened in 1998,” says Katrina Mena Rick, broadcast creative producer for Disney Live Entertainment. “So, we [worked] with other disciplines such as special effects, lighting, lasers and music to ensure that our visual content was as exactly seamless and as beautiful as it could be.”

A Journey Beyond Guests’ Wildest Imaginations
Audiences are transported into a fantastical adventure with Mickey Mouse where his magic creates dancing waters, shooting comets, animated fountains, swirling stars, balls of fire and other amazing wonders. When Disney villains intrude on Mickey’s fantasy and turn his dreams into nightmares, he uses the powers of good to triumph over evil.

“Bringing back Fantasmic! here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios means so much to our guests,” says Mena Rick. “It was a task to not only preserve the legacy of the show but also introduce new characters for the next generation.”

 

[zebrastreyepz]

To be fair, the availablilty of performers in Southern California is much larger than in Orlando. DL has access to everyone who wants to make it in Hollywood, which is why entertainment quality is generally higher at DLR.

I noticed this watching the parades/entertainment during Oogie Boogie Bash for the first time this year.

For those performers, everything is a potential audition.

 

[BrianL]

I noticed this watching the parades/entertainment during Oogie Boogie Bash for the first time this year.

For those performers, everything is a potential audition.

Oh yes. Executives from Disney are around more too, not to mention from other Hollywood production companies. You never know who's watching!

 

[mrsap]

Fantasmic! Dining Package Locations and Prices​

Disney World has released more details about the Fantasmic dining packages that will be available to book on October 26th for performance dates starting November 30th. Here are the Fantasmic Dining Package locations and prices:

Dining Packages and Prices​

Here’s what’s included in each Fantasmic! Dining Package:

• An entrée and appetizer or dessert at select full-service restaurants or one (1) full buffet (where applicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage
• One voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved area

Explore participating restaurants and dining package prices, which exclude tax and gratuity:

Dining Location	Adults (ages 10 & up)	Kids (Ages 9 & Under)
50’s Prime Time Cafe Classic American comfort food, ’50s kitsch and a good old-fashioned family gathering take you back to a bygone era.	$51.00	$22.00
Hollywood & Vine Celebrate breakfast with Disney Junior Stars or enjoy lunch and dinner with Minnie and friends at seasonal dining parties.	Breakfast:$54.00 Lunch & Dinner:$71.00	Breakfast:$36.00 Lunch & Dinner:$47.00
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano Mangia in the backlot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at this casual but colorful Italian eatery with a California twist.	$54.00	$22.00
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant Do dinner and a show ’50s-style at our drive-in “theater,” featuring all-American cuisine and sci-fi movie clips.	$49.00	$22.00
The Hollywood Brown Derby Step into the Golden Age of Hollywood at this warm, wood-paneled restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine.	$73.00	$29.00

 

[mrsap]

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