Jump to content

Disney Experiences

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Disney Experiences
Formerly
  • Walt Disney Outdoor Recreation (1980–1989)
  • Walt Disney Attractions (1989–2008)
  • Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide (2008–2018)
  • Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products (2018-2019)
  • Disney Parks, Experiences and Products (2019–2023)
Company typeDivision
FoundedApril 1, 1971; 53 years ago (1971-04-01)
Headquarters
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Glendale, California
,
U.S.
Number of locations
6
Area served
China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, United States
Key people
Josh D'Amaro (chairman)
ParentThe Walt Disney Company
Subsidiaries
WebsiteOfficial Website
Footnotes / references
[1][2][3]

Disney Experiences,[a] commonly known as Disney Parks, is one of the three major divisions of The Walt Disney Company.[4][2] It was founded on April 1, 1971, exactly six months before the opening of Walt Disney World.

Disney Parks brand logo

Led by Josh D'Amaro, the company's theme parks hosted over 157.3 million guests, making Disney Parks the world's most visited theme park company worldwide,[5] with United Kingdom-based Merlin Entertainments coming in second at 67 million guests. It is Disney's largest business segment by employee headcount, with approximately 130,000[6] of the company's 180,000 employees as of 2015.[7][needs update] In March 2018, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media was merged into Parks and Resorts and renamed Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. In September 2020, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products laid off 28,000 employees in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.[8]

Background

[edit]
Main article: Disneyland, Inc.

Originally, entry into the theme park and travel business was a side project of Walt Disney himself. As the Disneylandia project started to become a reality, Walt Disney Productions at Walt's request set up Disneyland, Inc. (DLI) in 1951 and agreed to a design deal in March 1953 with WED Enterprises (WED), Walt's personal corporation, which then included what would now be called Walt Disney Imagineering.[9][CDL 1] With the WED concept designs and prospectus for Disneylandia, Roy Disney in September 1953 met with TV networks in a deal for Disney-produced TV show and Disneyland investment. American Broadcasting-Paramount Theatres (AB-PT) agreed to the Disneyland, Inc. investment.[9] Joining AB-PT as Disneyland investors were Walt Disney Productions (WDP), Western Publishing and Walt Disney.[CDL 2] Walt Disney Productions had the option to repurchase the Walt Disney, WED and Western Publishing shares (31%) by May 1, 1959, for $562,500.[10]

With a need for the Disneyland Hotel nearby and no funding available for Disney to build it, Walt Disney approached Jack Wrather to build the hotel who agreed.[11]

Disneyland, changed from Disneylandia, was announced in April 1954 by Walt to be opened in July 1955.[CDL 3][CDL 4] On July 17, 1955, the Disneyland park opened with five themed "lands" containing eighteen attractions with double the expected guests.[CDL 5] WED owned Santa Fe & Disneyland Railroad opened, too.[12]

On June 29, 1957, Disney Production exercised its options to purchase all but AB-PT's common stock outstanding. This allowed WDP to consolidate DLI into its 1957 annual accounting statements adding four months' worth of net profits, $511K.[13] In June 1960, Walt Disney Productions completed the purchase of AB-PT's share of the company for nearly $7.5 million and its TV contract, and the theme park became a fully owned subsidiary of Walt Disney Productions.[CDL 6]

History

[edit]

Beginning in 1958 with the contracting of Economics Research Associates (ERA) to find a location for another Disney resort, Disney Productions moved beyond a single park. ERA recommended Florida; another study in 1961 named Ocala or Orlando in Florida as possible locations. In November 1963, Walt Disney made a trip to Florida for final site selection.[CDW 1]:333, 334 In 1962, Disney Productions purchased Celebrity Sports Center (opened on September 17, 1960, in Denver, Colorado) from its owners, including Walt Disney, Art Linkletter, and John Payne, to use as a staff training center for its second resort.[14] In 1963, Roy made plans to buy from 5,000 to 10,000 acres (2,000 to 4,000 ha), which was carried out in 1964, amassing 27,443 acres (11,106 ha) by October 1965.[CDW 2][CDW 3] Plans for the Florida project that would eventually become Walt Disney World were announced to the public in November 1965.[CDW 3] Legislation forming the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the Reedy Creek Improvement Act, was signed into law by Florida Governor Claude R. Kirk, Jr. on May 12, 1967, allowing Disney to build the infrastructure for the second park.[CDW 4] Ground breaking followed for the future Reedy Creek park on May 30.[CDW 5] In Roy O. Disney's last act as CEO in 1968, he officially named the second park Walt Disney World.[CDW 1]:357

Disneyland International was incorporated on November 20, 1961.[15] The next year, The Oriental Land Company contacted Disney about building a theme park.[16]

In 1959, the WED-owned Disneyland-Alweg Monorail System began operations at Disneyland.[12][17]

The first Audio-Animatronic attraction, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, opened at Disneyland in 1963.[18] Disneyland's first new themed land, New Orleans Square, opened in 1966. Tomorrowland was revamped in 1967 with seven new attractions.[17] The design and architectural group and the WED Enterprise name was purchased from Walt's corporation, renamed as Retlaw Enterprise.[12]

Disney expanded into attractions at the 1964 New York World's Fair with It's a Small World[19] and costumed character appearances. When the characters proved a hit at the 1964 World's Fair, Walt wanted another outlet for "live" characters; thus, Disneyland put on Disney on Parade, a self-produced live arena show starting in 1969.[20][21] Small World and its famous song lasted two years at the fair; it was then moved to Disneyland as an expanded major attraction in 1966 and later duplicated in the other Disney theme parks.[19]

In 1965, Walt Disney won a bid with the US Forest Service to develop Mineral King as a ski resort. The Sierra Club sued in June 1969 to stop the development, which was granted by the federal district judge. The Forest Service appealed and won at the appeal and the Supreme Court. This ruling opened the possibility of refiling to the club. In the next round of lawsuits, the same district judge blocked the redevelopment. The injunction and the passage of the National Environmental Policy Act led to Disney backing out.[22]

$40 million worth of Walt Disney Productions Convertible Debentures were sold in January 1968 to fund Disney World (WDW). The next year in February, an agreement was made with multiple labor unions, in which the unions exchanged the right to strike for regular pay increases during the first building phase.[CDW 6] By 1971, chairman of the Park Operations Committee and vice president of park operations Dick Nunis was appointed executive vice president of Disneyland and Walt Disney World.[23]

Walt Disney World began operation on October 1, 1971, with the Magic Kingdom park at a cost of $400 million. The Magic Kingdom had six themed lands: Main Street, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and Tomorrowland.[CDW 7] Additionally, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort campground and two hotels, Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, also opened.[CDW 8]

Disneyland expanded in 1972 with a seventh themed land, Bear Country, replacing the Indian Village of Frontierland, and later renamed Critter Country. In 1979, the Disneyland crafts and maintenance union workers went on strike for 15 days, at first, rejecting and then accepting the park's contract.[17] Space Mountain opens at Disneyland in 1977.[17]

Two more hotels opened in 1973 at Walt Disney World: the Golf Resort[24] and the Gold Resort;[CDW 9] Disney opened the Buena Vista Club golf club in Lake Buena Vista on November 22, 1974.[CDW0 1]:71 Lake Buena Vista Village, the shopping area, opened on March 22, 1975[CDW0 1] and was renamed Walt Disney World Village in 1977.[25]:280 Celebrity Sports Center, Disney World's training center, was sold on March 29, 1979.[14]

At Walt Disney World, the Treasure Island nature preserve pens opened on April 8, 1974,[CDW0 2]:569 renamed Discovery Island in 1977.[CDW0 1]:126 On July 1, 1975, the WEDway PeopleMover opened in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland.[CDW0 3] The first water park, River Country, opened on June 20, 1976 at Disney World.[CDW0 4]:22 EPCOT Center's groundbreaking occurred at Walt Disney World in May 1979.[CDW0 5]

In 1979, Oriental Land and Disney agreed to build a Japanese theme park.[16] Tokyo Disneyland opened on April 15, 1983 on 200 acres (80 ha) in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan.[26]

A 2024 survey by LendingTree found that 24% of Disney vacationers overall and 45% of parents went into debt in order to take a Disney vacation, with the average debt for parents at $1,983 per family.[27]

Walt Disney Outdoor Recreation Division

[edit]

With the retirement of Donn Tatum as Walt Disney Productions' Chairman and CEO on June 3, 1980, three divisions were formed, including the Walt Disney Outdoor Recreation Division, of which Disney Legend, Dick Nunis was named division president.[CDW0 6] Disneyland started using Disney Dollars on May 5, 1987,[CDL4 1] while Walt Disney World parks started with Epcot on October 2.[CDW1 1] A renegotiated Disneyland Japan royalty agreement in April 1988 by Chief Financial Officer Gary L. Wilson netted Disney US$723 million in cash in exchange for lower royalty payments.[CDW0 7]

The steam railroad and monorail at Disneyland were purchased from Retlaw Enterprises, formerly WED Enterprises, in 1982.[17] Bear Country was renamed Critter Country on November 23, 1988.[CDL4 2]

Tishman Company's plans for two Walt Disney World hotels were rejected by the new CEO Michael Eisner on September 30, 1984, marking a change in Disney architecture. New plans for the Dolphin and Swan hotels were submitted by Michael Graves in July 1986;[CDW1 2] ground breaking took place on January 28, 1988.[CDW1 3] The first non-Disney owned hotel, Pickett Suite Resort, opened in Disney World Village on March 15, 1987.[CDW1 4]

On June 1, 1982, the Walt Disney World monorail line was extended to EPCOT Center from the Transportation and Ticket Center.[CDW0 1]:338 The EPCOT Center theme park opened on October 1, 1982, at a building cost of US$1.2 billion, with two areas, Future World and World Showcase.[CDW0 8]:272

Plans for a Hollywood-style theme park were announced in April 1985 for the Walt Disney World resort at a project cost of US$300 million.[CDW1 5] In April 1985, Disney signed a licensing agreement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), giving Disney the right to use the MGM name, logo and movie library for this third park.[28] Construction of the Disney-MGM Studios theme park began in 1986.[CDW1 6] Disney-MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989,[CDW1 7] along with a Pleasure Island entertainment area;[CDW1 8] its second water park, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, opened on June 1.[CDW1 9] In 1983, Walt Disney World Village's name was changed to the Disney Village Marketplace.[CDW1 10] A new themed area, Mickey's Birthdayland, opened in the Magic Kingdom near Fantasyland on June 18, 1988.[CDW1 11]

In 1987, Disney and Ron Brierley's Industrial Equity (Pacific) Ltd., already a 28% owner of the Wrather Corporation, agreed to purchase the remaining Wrather Corporation stock with a 50% share each.[29][30] Wrather Corporation owned the Disneyland Hotel and operated the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose tourist attractions.[29] In March 1988, Disney purchased Industrial Equity's half of Wrather Corporation.[30]

In 1985, Premier Cruise Line became the licensed partner cruise line with Disney. This allowed Disney characters on their ships and combined cruise, hotel, and theme park packages.[31]

Walt Disney Attractions

[edit]

The Walt Disney Outdoor Recreation Division was incorporated as Walt Disney Attractions, Inc. on August 10, 1989.[32] In January 1990, Disney CEO Eisner announced plans to expand both Disneyland (by 20% in 10 years)[CDC 1] and Walt Disney World (WDW). The plan would have WDW add another theme park and 16 new attractions in Disney-MGM Studios.[CDW2 1] Disney and The Coca-Cola Company agreed to a 15-year marketing contract on January 25: Coca-Cola products would be exclusive in Disney theme parks, and Coca-Cola would use some Disney characters in their ads.[CDC 2] On March 16, 1990, Attractions president Nunis announced a 25-year plan for a 4,400-acre (1,800 ha) development in Osceola, Florida, with homes, shopping malls and industrial buildings.[CDC 3]

In 1990, the possibility of a West Coast version of Epcot Center was placed in development.[CDC 4] This was announced as WestCOT in 1991, to be placed at the Disneyland Resort.[17] On July 31, 1990, a new 350-acre (140 ha) ocean-themed park and resort, Port Disney, was announced for Long Beach. Port was to have a cruise-ship terminal, five hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas, costing $2 billion to build.[CDC 5] On December 12, 1991, Disney selected only one California project to go forward with, Disneyland Resort, which was to include the WestCOT Center, hotels, a shopping mall, and a lake.[CDL5 1] Port Disney was abandoned in March 1992, and Disney canceled its leases on the Queen Mary and Spruce Goose attractions picked up from the Wrather Corporation.[CDC 6] Mickey's Toontown, a new themed land at Disneyland, opened on January 24, 1993.[CDL5 2] Disney canceled its plans for WestCOT in mid-1995 due to financial issues at Disneyland Paris and the park's projected high cost. That park was then replaced by plans for the California Adventure park, hotels, and a retail district.[33]

At Walt Disney World, Mickey's Birthdayland closed on April 22, 1991, then reopened on May 26 as Mickey's Starland.[CDW2 2]324, 329, 333 In order to expand Disney World on wetland, on April 23, 1993, the company agreed to form an 8,500-acre (3,400 ha) wilderness preserve in Florida, known as the Disney Wilderness Preserve.[CDW2 3] The Disney Inn hotel was leased starting February 1, 1994, by the US Army, then purchased on January 12, 1996, and later renamed Shades of Green.[CDW2 2]130 Planet Hollywood opened a location in Pleasure Island on December 17, 1994.[CDW1 12] The third water park at Walt Disney World, Disney's Blizzard Beach, opened on April 1, 1995.[CDW3 1] The Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland was completely refurbished and reopened in June 1995.[CDW3 2] Taking up a corner of the Magic Kingdom parking lot, the Walt Disney World Speedway opened on November 28, 1995.[CDW3 3] In 1996, the Disney Institute opened on February 9,[CDW3 4] and Disney's BoardWalk opened on July 1.[CDW3 5] The first of the World of Disney stores opened in the Disney Village Marketplace on October 3.[CDW3 6] The Downtown Disney district opened in November 1997, combining Disney Village Marketplace and Pleasure Island.[CDW3 7] A fourth theme park, Disney's Animal Kingdom, opened at Disney World the week of April 20, 1998.[34]

The first Disney Vacation Club Resorts, Vacation Club Resort, opened on October 1, 1991, and was renamed Disney's Old Key West Resort in January 1996. These vacation club hotels were operated by Disney Vacation Developments, Inc. as vacation timeshares.[CDW2 4] The first off-resort vacation club hotel was Vacation Club Resort, which opened on October 1, 1995, in Vero Beach, Florida.[CDC 7]

In 1993, Premier Cruises discontinued its partnership with Disney for one with Warner Bros. After failing to reach agreements with Carnival or Royal Caribbean, Disney announced in 1994 the formation of its cruise line. The Disney Cruise Line launched with the Disney Magic ship in 1998 along with its exclusive resort island port of Castaway Cay.[31]

Disney reportedly had plans to build a park named Disney's America. The park was to have been located in Haymarket, Virginia; 2,300 acres (930 ha) of property were purchased from Exxon in 1993.[CDC 8] The history-themed park was announced on November 11, 1993. The plans for the 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) called for a 150-acre (61 ha) amusement park, a campground, a golf course, 2 million square feet (190,000 m2) of office/commercial space, and 2500 homes.[CDC 9] With projections indicating that the park would operate at a loss and with opposition in the press, Disney canceled the project on September 15, 1994.[CDC 10]

Walt Disney Imagineering created Disney Fair, a U.S. traveling attraction, which premiered in September 1996. The fair was poorly attended and was pulled after a few stops. Disney Entertainment Projects (Asia Pacific) Inc., a new Disney Asian Pacific subsidiary, selected a renamed fair called DisneyFest as its first project, taking it to Singapore to open there on October 30, 1997.[35]

In November 1995, Disney announced the building of Tokyo DisneySea, to be owned by Oriental along with Tokyo Disneyland.[26] Oriental and Disney signed the DisneySea licensing agreement in November 1997; the theme park was scheduled to open in 2001 at a cost of $2.6 billion.[36]

In December 1998, Walt Disney Attractions added Disneyland Paris, Disney Regional Entertainment and Walt Disney Imagineering to its portfolio, which already held Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and Tokyo Disneyland. Chairman Dick Nunis retired at the same time.[37] On October 31, 1999, Walt Disney Attractions, Inc. was merged into Walt Disney Attractions, LLC.[38]

On June 19, 1998, Disney Regional Entertainment opened its first DisneyQuest, a location-based entertainment venue, at Downtown Disney West Side in Walt Disney World.[39] The first DisneyQuest outside of a resort was opened in Chicago on June 16, 1999, with plans for more locations worldwide.[40]

In 1999, plans were announced for a new resort in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Disneyland, as a joint venture, Hong Kong International Theme Parks Ltd., between the Hong Kong Government and Disney Resorts.[41] The Disney Wonder cruise ship began operation on August 15.[42] Disney World's Discovery Island was closed on April 8, 1999.[43]

Disney Destinations

[edit]

Walt Disney Attractions, LLC changed its name to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, LLC on April 14, 2000, then to Disney Destinations, LLC on April 25, 2006.[44] Tokyo DisneySea at Tokyo Disney Resort opened on September 4, 2001.[45] The Walt Disney Company in selling its Japanese and US chains decided to keep the Disney Stores in Europe, along with the store in Manhattan, which was converted into a World of Disney store run by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in 2004.[46]

Downtown Disney opened at the Disneyland Resort on January 12, 2001, between Disneyland and the future California Adventure.[CDC 11] Disney California Adventure opened at the Disneyland Resort on February 8, 2001, with three major areas: Paradise Pier, Hollywood Pictures Backlot, and the Golden State.[33] In California Adventure on October 6, 2002, A Bug's Land area opened.[CDC 12] Parks and Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo announced at Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California on September 12, 2009, that Walt Disney World's Fantasyland would be overhauled and increased in size by 2013.[CDC 13] A $1 billion expansion/renovation of Disney California Adventure was announced in 2007 to be completed by 2012.[47]

River Country water park closed on November 2, 2001.[CDC 14][48] Disney-MGM Studios is renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios in January 2008.[49] Pleasure Island's core remaining six nightclubs were closed down in late 2008 to change the area to match the family friendly make-up of the other two sections of Downtown Disney at Disney World.[50]

Walt Disney Studios Park opened March 16, 2002, as the second theme park at the renamed Disneyland Resort Paris. The first park was renamed Disneyland Park (DLP).[CDC 15] DLP Paris opened in August 2000 Toy Story Playland with three attractions.[51]

Construction on Hong Kong Disneyland began on January 12, 2003,[52] then opened September 12, 2005.[CDC 16] Groundbreaking occurred at Hong Kong Disneyland in December 2009 for a three land expansion: Mystic Point, Grizzly Gulch, and Toy Story Land.[CDC 17]

In June 2005, Disney Magic made the first cruise outside of the Caribbean, by moving its port for the summer to Los Angeles with a Mexican Riviera schedule.[42] Disney Cruise Line ordered a new 2 ships class from Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany by February 22, 2007.[42][CDC 18] The Magic in May 2007 transferred its homeport to Barcelona, Spain, for the lines' first summer Mediterranean itinerary then returned to its permanent port in September.[42]

The Chicago DisneyQuest location was closed in September 2001.[53] Disney Parks started the Adventures by Disney tour vacation business in 2005.[54] Disney entered a float, "The Most Magical Celebration on Earth", into the 2006 Pasadena Tournament of Roses parade.[CDC 19]

In October 2007, Disney announced plans to build a resort at Ko Olina Resort & Marina in Kapolei, Hawaii, featuring both a hotel and Disney Vacation Club timeshare units. The 800-unit property, named Aulani, opened in 2011 and joined the other resorts not associated with a theme park, such as Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort in South Carolina.[55]

With the Walt Disney World Millennium Celebration starting on October 1, 2000, sanctioned Disney pin trading was started.[CDC 20][CDC 21] In 2001, the Themed Entertainment Association gave Disney Parks and Resorts the Thea Award for Breakthrough Innovation for the park's FastPass system.[CDC 22]

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide

[edit]

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. was incorporated on September 29, 2008,[2] and took over the parks and resorts business segment. Disney Parks and Resorts reorganized in early 2009 which included layoffs in all units due to recession-induced falling attendance. 600 U.S. managers in January were buyout packages. Worldwide Operations was formed under President Al Weiss in 2009. Worldwide Operations would take over various back-office functions previously performed by both Disney World and Disneyland including training, procurement, menu planning, and merchandise development. While its Walt Disney Imagineering subsidiary combined its three development units.[56]

In November 2009, Disney received approval from the Chinese government to build a Disneyland resort in Shanghai's Pudong district.[57] The resort opened on June 16, 2016.[58]

California Adventure completed its overhaul in 2012 adding two new lands: Cars Land and Buena Vista Street. The overhaul also included a re-themed of several attractions plus a pair of classic dark rides.[47] In July 2017, it was announced that Paradise Pier land would be replaced by Pixar Pier,[59] with four neighborhoods, and the remainder not in Pixar Pier would be replaced by Paradise Park. Pixar Pier opened on June 23, 2018.[60]

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a 14-acre (5.7 ha) themed land for both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios announced at the D23 Expo on August 15, 2015.[61] Construction began at both locations on April 14, 2016.[62] The lands at both parks opened in 2019.[63]

The New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom opened on December 6, 2012. It is the biggest upgrade to the theme park since its opening in 1971.[64] Announced along with its new Star Wars Land expansion at the D23 Expo on August 15, 2015, Hollywood Studios was slated to have a version of Toy Story Land.[65]

Holz became president of New Vacation Operations of Parks & Resorts[66] reporting to Al Weiss, president of worldwide operations for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.[67] by April 2008.[68] In February 2009, Holz returned to the presidency of Disney Cruise Line in addition to his continuing as head of New Vacation Operations,[66] which was primarily Adventures by Disney. As an extension of the "One Disney" initiative and the resignation of Weiss, Disney Vacation Club was added to New Vacation Operations. While Holz and Meg Crofton joined Disney Parks and Resorts executive committee in July 2011. At that time, Crofton was transferred from Disney World president to president of operations in the U.S. and France, a new positions.[67]

The Disney Dream ship began service in January 2011 and Disney Cruise Line (DCL) announced the maiden voyage of the Disney Fantasy to be March 31, 2012. The Dream deployment allowed Disney Wonder to be stationed at Port of Los Angeles for Mexican Riviera cruises,[69] but initial served in the short Alaska cruise season.[31] Magic moved to New York for Canadian or Bahama cruises starting May 25, 2012.[CDC 23] DCL's Magic was refitted in late 2013.[70]

The first of three expansion theme lands at Hong Kong Disneyland, Toy Story Land, opened on November 18, 2011.[71] Grizzly Gulch opened at Hong Kong Disneyland on July 13, 2012.[72] The final land of this expansion, Mystic Point, opened at Hong Kong Disneyland on May 17, 2013.[73]

On February 5, 2015, it was announced that Tom Staggs had been promoted to Disney Company Chief operating officer but would continue as chairman of Parks and Resorts until his successor was named.[74] On February 23, 2015, Robert Chapek was named chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts effective that day.[75]

On April 29, 2015, The Walt Disney Company, through the subsidiary, Carousel Holdings Eat LLC, has purchased Carousel Inn & Suites hotel in Anaheim, from Good Hope International for $32 million. The purchase was considered a strategic purchase; the hotel would not be considered a part of the Disneyland hotel portfolio and would operate independently.[76] Disney indicated in August 2016, that the company would be closing the Carousel Inn in October 2016 in preparation for razing it as part of plans to construct a new parking structure, transit plaza and pedestrian bridge over Harbor Boulevard.[77]

On February 10, 2017, Disney revealed a deal to purchase Kingdom Holding Co.'s shares of Euro Disney S.C.A. as the first step in purchasing the remaining shares held by others. Disney has offered about $2.12 a share, a 67% premium over the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange value as of February 9. The company expects the buyout and delisting to be finished by June. Plans are for the company to invest another $1.4 billion into Disneyland Paris after the buyout to counteract the recent Paris terrorist attack, which hurt a previous 2014 park hotel investment. If this buyout is successful, it would make the resort the only resort 100% owned and operated by Disney outside of the United States of America.[78] On June 13, 2017, The Walt Disney Company reached the 95% threshold required for a mandatory takeover according to French law, owning 97.08% of Euro Disney S.C.A., paving the way for The Walt Disney Company to become the sole owner and operator of Disneyland Paris.[79]

Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

[edit]
See also: Disney Consumer Products § Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media
The logo of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products

As part of The Walt Disney Company's March 2018 strategic reorganization, Disney Consumer Products, and Interactive Media was merged into the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts segment and renamed Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek was named chairman of this new segment, who also previously served as head of Disney Consumer Products.[1] At the time, the Consumer Products chairman position was vacant, as its former holder, James Pitaro, had been recently appointed as the new head of ESPN and co-chair of Disney Media Networks.[80]

In March 2018, a Disney Parks West regional division was formed with Disneyland Resort in California, Walt Disney World in Florida, and Disneyland Paris under Catherine Powell, outgoing Disneyland Paris president. This mirrors the Disney Parks East regional division consisting of Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Walt Disney Attractions Japan and headed by Michael Colglazier. Imagineering was expected to take on the development of merchandise, games, publishing, and apps. Paul Gainer moved up from Disney Retail head to head up the new Global Product Management and Distribution unit, which includes Disney Retail, Global Licensing, and digital guest experience.[81][82][83]

New Vacation Operations and Disney Cruise Line division was renamed Disney Signature Experiences along with a new president, Jeff Vahle, for the division in April 2018.[84] On January 1, 2019, Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products changed its name to Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.[85] Disney Cruise Line purchase in early March 2019 another Bahamas destination, Lighthouse Point property on the island of Eleuthera.[86] In July 2019, Disney denied reports of plans to launch its own airline with the purchase of small regional airlines in the United States.[87][88]

With the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by August 2019, National Geographic Partners' non-TV operations were transferred into its Disney counterpart with NG Media and National Geographic Expeditions moving to the segment's units, Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney Signature Experiences, respectively.[89]

Powell supervised the two Star Wars-themed land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, openings in May at Disneyland and August 2019 in Disney's Hollywood Studios. However, initial numbers showed an attendance dropped instead of the boost such an opening should have generated. In late September, Powell left the company with the Parks West regional division being dissolved, thus having those resorts' executives directly report to chairman Chapek.[90] He denied that Powell was let go because of the low attendance issue from Galaxy's Edge, but instead, Powell's position was a temporary one to allow Chapek to focus on the acquisition of 21st Century Fox.[91]

Powell's departure from Disney was soon followed by a domino of executive appointments, as announced on September 26, 2019.[91] George Kalogridis, then-president of the Walt Disney World Resort, was promoted as the president of segment development and enrichment. Kalogridis is replaced by Josh D'Amaro, then-president of the Disneyland Resort, as president of the Walt Disney World Resort. In turn, D'Amaro was replaced by Rebecca Campbell as president of the Disneyland Resort. Campbell transferred from the Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer & International segment where she served as the president of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Both D'Amaro and Campbell assumed these roles in November 2019. In addition, Michael Colglazier is also promoted as the president and managing director of Disney Parks International and will oversee Disneyland Paris as well as those under the Parks East regional division.[92] In February 2020, Chapek was promoted from chairman of this segment to chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company under executive chairman Bob Iger.[93]

With the closure of all Disney parks in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, Disney donated 150,000 rain ponchos usually sold at the parks to MedShare, to be distributed in hospitals.[94]

In May 2020, CEO Chapek named new appointees under the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products segment. Succeeding Chapek as chairman of this segment is Josh D'Amaro, then-president of the Walt Disney World Resort. Jeff Vahle, then-president of Disney Signature Experiences, replaced D'Amaro as president of the Walt Disney World Resort. Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president for transportation and resort operations at the Walt Disney World Resort, succeeded Vahle as president of Disney Signature Experiences. In addition, Kareem Daniel, former president of operations/product creation/publishing/games at Walt Disney Imagineering, was named president of consumer products, games and publishing.[95] Ken Potrock replaced Rebecca Campbell as president of the Disneyland Resort;[95] Campbell returned to the Director-to-Consumer & International segment as its chairman, replacing Kevin Mayer.[96]

On July 15, 2020, it was announced that Jill Estorino, then-executive vice president, global marketing and sales, replaced Michael Colglazier as president and managing director of Disney Parks International, supervising Tokyo Disney Resort, Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort.[97]

On September 28, 2020, D'Amaro announced the difficult decision to lay off over 28,000 employees in the parks division, many of them being part-time workers. D'Amaro cited the uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as well as California's continued reluctance to reopen Disneyland as factors.[98] Nearly 6,700 Central Florida employees, including almost 6,500 Disney World workers, were also among those laid off.[99] On October 13, 2020, Disney CEO and former Disney Park, Experiences and Products head Bob Chapek agreed to keep Disney World at only 25% capacity until the Center For Disease Control (CDC) issued new guidance and also stated that with regards to reopening Disneyland, "It's not much of a negotiation. It's pretty much a mandate that we stay closed."[100] Disneyland Resort was finally allowed to reopen on April 30, 2021, after a 412-day closure.[101]

Historically, Imagineering and certain other Disney units merged into DPEP were physically headquartered in the Los Angeles metropolitan area (near the Walt Disney Company's film and television divisions)—even as the rapid growth of Walt Disney World meant that by the start of the 21st century, most Disney U.S. domestic theme park jobs were based in Florida, not California. In July 2021, it was reported that approximately 2,000 DPEP positions would be transferred over the next couple of years to a new 60-acre corporate campus in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Florida, and it was later reported that fall that as many as 90% of the transferred positions would be Imagineering positions.[102][103] The relocation was reportedly motivated in part by $570 million in tax breaks from the state of Florida, as well as Florida's business-friendly climate, lower cost of living, and lack of a state income tax.[102][103] The planned relocation was cancelled in May 2023 amidst a feud with Florida governor Ron DeSantis.[104]

Disney Experiences

[edit]

On November 16, 2023, the division was renamed Disney Experiences.[4]

On August 10, 2024, D'Amaro hosted a Disney Experiences Showcase at the Honda Center as part of D23: The Ultimate Fan Event (formerly D23 Expo), in which he revealed how Disney Experiences planned to invest $60 billion over the next decade in adding new and improved attractions to its parks.[105] He brought out All-4-One to sing "I Swear" to celebrate Disney's promise to build four more cruise ships on top of four already under construction, bringing its fleet to a total of 13 by 2031.[106]

However, Disney executives were notably reluctant at D23 to address superfans' increasing frustration with the skyrocketing ticket prices at Disney parks over the preceding decade.[105][107] The pricing changes had rendered Disney theme parks largely inaccessible to most middle class consumers because the cost of one day and one night at a Disney theme park was now higher than what many people spend on vacation in an entire year.[105] On August 16, D'Amaro responded to such criticism by stressing the broad range of Disney's ticket pricing and options and explaining that the company would "provide as much access and flexibility as we possibly can, so as many of our fans can experience these things as possible".[107]

Leadership

[edit]
  • Josh D'Amaro, Chairman
    • Lisa Becket, Executive Vice President, Global Marketing
    • Jill Estorino, President and Managing Director, Disney Parks International
    • Tasia Filippatos, President, Disney Consumer Products
    • Tami Garcia, Executive Vice President, Human Resources
    • Alannah Hall-Smith, Executive Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
    • Kevin Lansberry, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    • Thomas Mazloum, President, New Experiences Portfolio & Disney Signature Experiences
      • Sharon Siskie, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Cruise Line
      • Stephanie Young, President, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures & Expeditions, and Enrichment Programs
        • Bill Diercksen, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Vacation Club
        • Nancy Schumacher, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Adventures & Expeditions
    • Ken Potrock, President, Disneyland Resort
    • Jeff Vahle, President, Walt Disney World Resort
    • Bruce Vaughn, President and Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney Imagineering

Disney resorts

[edit]
See also: List of Disney theme park attractions
class=notpageimage|
Locations of Disney resorts: Disney-owned, Disney joint ventures, Owned and licensed by The Oriental Land Company

Disneyland Resort

[edit]
Main article: Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort was founded as a single park, Disneyland, and opened on July 17, 1955, in Anaheim, California. Disneyland Hotel opened to the public on October 5, 1955. In 2001, the site expanded significantly and was renamed the Disneyland Resort with the opening of a second theme park, Disney California Adventure, two hotels, and the Downtown Disney retail, dining, and entertainment complex. Disneyland was re-branded Disneyland Park to distinguish it from the larger 500-acre (2.0 km2) resort complex.

Walt Disney World

[edit]
Main article: Walt Disney World

The Walt Disney World resort opened October 1, 1971, in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, with the Magic Kingdom theme park and three resort hotels. It expanded with the opening of the theme parks Epcot in 1982, Disney's Hollywood Studios in 1989 and Disney's Animal Kingdom in 1998, in addition to the water parks Disney's Typhoon Lagoon in 1989 and Disney's Blizzard Beach in 1995. In addition the resort includes the Disney Springs retail, dining, and entertainment complex. The resort occupies 27,258 acres (11,031 ha) overall, the largest (by area) and most-visited vacation resort in the world, with four theme parks, two water parks, 21 resort hotels, eight golf courses, the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and additional recreational activities.

Tokyo Disney Resort

[edit]
Main article: Tokyo Disney Resort

Tokyo Disney Resort, in Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, opened April 15, 1983, as Tokyo Disneyland. On September 4, 2001, the resort expanded with second theme park Tokyo DisneySea. The resort includes six Disney hotels and several non-Disney hotels along with the Ikspiari retail, dining, and entertainment complex. Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, the resort is fully owned and operated by The Oriental Land Company under license with The Walt Disney Company. Disney oversees all aspects of the resort and assigns Imagineers to it.

Disneyland Paris

[edit]
Main article: Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris opened on April 12, 1992 as Euro Disney Resort. Located in Marne-la-Vallée in the suburbs of Paris, France, it features two theme parks, Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park (soon to be renamed Disney Adventure World), a golf course, the Disney Village entertainment complex, and seven Disney resort hotels, over 4,940 acres (20.0 km2). It is the only resort outside the United States fully owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company.[78]

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

[edit]
Main article: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort opened September 12, 2005. The resort is located in Penny's Bay. The resort consists of Hong Kong Disneyland theme park, Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre, and three hotels, with land reserved for future expansion. It is owned and operated by Hong Kong International Theme Parks, a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company (48% ownership) and the Government of Hong Kong (52% ownership). The first phase of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort occupies 320 acres (1.3 km2).

Shanghai Disney Resort

[edit]
Main article: Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort opened on June 16, 2016.[58] The resort is located in the city's Pudong district and has one theme park, two resort hotels, Shanghai Disneyland, and the Disneytown entertainment complex. It is owned and operated by Shanghai International Theme Park Company, a joint venture of The Walt Disney Company (43% ownership) and the Shanghai Shendi Group (57% ownership).

Training

[edit]

Each new employee ("cast member") at a Disney theme park is trained at a Disney University, founded by Walt Disney in 1955. Before training specific to the work they will perform, each employee attends the "Disney Traditions" course where they learn about the philosophies and history of Disney's guest services.[108][109]

Abandoned and misreported concepts

[edit]
Main article: List of Disney attractions that were never built

Disney had plans to build Walt Disney's Riverfront Square in St. Louis, but canceled the project in July 1965.

In the 1960s, Disney initiated a plan for a ski resort at Mineral King in California. Opposition from environmental groups led by the Sierra Club led to a temporary court injunction in 1969 and legal battles through the 1970s. The project's planning and scale changed multiple times, and in 1978, Mineral King was annexed into Sequoia National Park, ending any possibility of developing a resort there.[110]

Disney had plans to build a park named Disney's America in Haymarket, Virginia, but abandoned the idea in 1994. On September 28, 1994, Michael Eisner announced Disney was canceling its plans after a bruising national media fight with Protect Historic America, and aggressive local opposition in Virginia from Protect Prince William and other citizen groups.

Disney had plans to build a smaller Disneyland-style theme park in Sydney, Australia, between 2007 and 2008, with the proposed name "Disney Wharf at Sydney Harbour", but the concept was abandoned due to mixed responses in the New South Wales Government.[111]

In early January 2011, conflicting reports emerged regarding Disney's involvement in a proposed entertainment complex in Haifa, Israel, whose plans include a small (30,000 square meter) amusement park scheduled to open in 2013. The project was set to be partially funded by Shamrock Holdings, a Disney-affiliated investment firm. In the wake of reports from Israeli business newspaper, Globes and industry newswire Amusement Management that Disney itself would be involved in the project's development, a spokesperson for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts clarified to Fast Company that Disney did not have any plans to be involved in the building of the park.[112]

Disney intellectual properties outside Disney parks

[edit]

Due to its acquisitions of Marvel Entertainment in 2009, Lucasfilm in 2012 and 21st Century Fox in 2019, some Disney-owned franchises are represented in its competitors' parks.

Marvel Entertainment

[edit]

Marvel Super Hero Island, a themed land featuring characters and settings from Marvel Comics, has operated at Universal Orlando Resort's Islands of Adventure park since 1999, as well as the Islands of Adventure, cloned ride The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man at Universal Studios Japan from 2004 to 2024. Under Marvel's 1994 agreement with Universal Destinations & Experiences in regional terms, none of the Marvel characters and other persons related to such characters (e.g., side characters, team members, and the villains associated with the Avengers, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Spider-Man, etc.) connected with Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Japan can be used at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort.[113] The Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Tokyo Disney Resort also cannot use the Marvel brand name as part of an attraction or marketing and the Marvel-themed simulator ride.[114] This clause has allowed Walt Disney World to have meet-and-greets with Marvel characters not associated with the ones present at Islands of Adventure, such as Star-Lord and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy,[115][116] and Doctor Strange.[117] Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Disneyland Paris either have or planned to incorporate meet and greets as well as attractions relating to the Marvel characters, as well as using the Marvel name and the Marvel simulator ride.

IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai has a Marvel-themed section.[118]

Star Wars

[edit]

A Star Wars-themed section of Legoland California's Miniland USA opened in 2011, with a similar version opening at Legoland Florida[119] in November 2012, just weeks before Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise. However, the Star Wars-themed sections at Miniland USA, Legoland Florida, and other Legoland areas closed at the start of 2020 before the 2020 theme park season due to the expiration of their contract with Lucasfilm.[120]

20th Century Studios

[edit]

Following Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in March 2019, The Simpsons became the intellectual property of Disney. Like Marvel before it, The Simpsons is represented in Universal parks, with The Simpsons Ride having operated at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida since 2008, with accompanying themed areas based on the show's setting of Springfield.

The Fox acquisition also made Disney responsible for the future of Malaysia's under-construction 20th Century Fox World theme park. The park's owner, Genting Group, filed a $1.75 billion lawsuit against The Walt Disney Company and 21st Century Fox in November 2018, accusing Fox of trying to back out of the deal for licensing the theme park. In the suit, Genting Malaysia alleges that Fox has taken steps to cancel the contract. The suit also names Disney as a defendant, contending that Disney executives, following the company's then-pending acquisition of Fox, were "calling the shots" on the project and that they were opposed to the park because they would have "no control" over its operations and that it would be adjacent to a casino, which would go against Disney's "family-friendly" image.[121] Fox, in turn, referred to the suit as "without merit", stating that their reasons for withdrawing from the deal were due to Genting consistently not meeting "agreed-upon deadlines for several years" and that Genting's attempts to blame Disney for Fox's default were "made up".[122] In July 2019, it was announced that Fox and Genting had settled their respective lawsuits. As part of the deal, Genting would be given "a license to use certain Fox intellectual properties" and that non-Fox intellectual property would make up the rest of the attractions in the park. The outdoor park would also no longer be referred to as 20th Century Fox World, but instead would be named Genting SkyWorlds.[123][124]

Adaptations

[edit]
Main article: List of film adaptations of Disney attractions

While Disney Parks generally adapt movies into rides, some Disney theme park attractions have been adapted into or have served inspiration for films,[125] books,[126] comic books,[127] television series, television specials and television pilots. Disney entered the television field with a network TV show named after Disneyland (which was then its only park, and was being built at the time), in order to fund the park. In this series, some episodes featured the park or a park attraction.[128] The Walt Disney Company pioneered and is the only film company and theme park company to have converted theme park attractions to film productions. However, lackluster results were achieved for most of these films except for the Pirates of the Caribbean series.[129] Walt Disney Pictures produced two Pirates of the Caribbean sequels in 2006 and 2011 that made approximately a billion dollars each at the box office.[130]

At first, Disney had merely dabbled with this type of film. Disney Telefilms made the first movie-based-on-ride, Tower of Terror, for the Wonderful World of Disney anthology television series in 1997.[131] In 2000, Touchstone Pictures made Mission to Mars based on the closed ride of the same name.[129][132]

Walt Disney Pictures took the Country Bear Jamboree attraction and made it into The Country Bears in 2002. In 2003, Walt Disney Pictures issued two ride-based films in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and The Haunted Mansion. Pirates of the Caribbean launched a film series and a franchise.[129] After four Pirates sequels, the franchise took in more than $5.4 billion worldwide.[133]

Disney Publishing Worldwide started mining Disney Parks with its The Kingdom Keepers series. The first novel of the series, Disney After Dark, was released in 2005.[126] A five-book series was laid out by Pearson, but was extended to seven with the first book's success.[134] On March 31, 2015, the first novel in The Kingdom Keepers sequel trilogy series was released.[135]

Other Disney Publishing projects based on the Disney Parks include the Tales from Adventureland trilogy by Jason Lethcoe in 2017-2018, based around Adventureland attractions such as the Enchanted Tiki Room and Jungle Cruise, the Tales from the Haunted Mansion anthology series by John Esposito writing under the pen name of the Mansion's ghostly librarian Amicus Arcane, and the Shinji Takahashi books by Julie Kagawa, which explores the Society of Explorers and Adventurers organization seen in various parks within the modern day.

With the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise as Disney Pictures' top franchise,[130] the company had been looking for additional projects in this category for a decade.[136] Disney Pictures took another push at additional adaptations in the 2010s.[136] By November 2010, Jon Favreau had been tapped to develop the Magic Kingdom park into a "Night at the Museum" like film, with Strike Entertainment signed on to produce it[137] after a script by Ronald D. Moore was turned down.[138] Another Haunted Mansion film was in the works with Guillermo del Toro as of August 2012.[136] Mr. Toad's Wild Ride ride film was in the works at Disney Pictures by January 2013.[139] Tomorrowland, first to be loosely based on a theme park area,[140] was announced in January 2013 for a December 2014 release.[136] Also in 2013, American Broadcasting Company had ordered a pilot based on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.[141] It's A Small World was added to the list of known two projects in November 26, 2013[142][143][144][145][146] and April 22, 2014.[147] Tower of Terror was given a theatrical treatment by John August under producer Jim Whitaker in October 2015, while the long-in-production Jungle Cruise gained an actor.[141]

Marvel Worldwide with Disney announced in October 2013 that in January 2014 it would release its first comic book title under their joint Disney Kingdoms imprint.[127] Running for six miniseries, Disney Kingdoms would feature adaptations of the unbuilt Museum of the Weird, two serials about Figment and Dreamfinder from Epcot's Journey into Imagination, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Haunted Mansion, and Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room. Disney Publishing Worldwide's revived Disney Comics imprint[148] first publication was the Space Mountain graphic novel released on May 7, 2014 and based on the same name park attraction.[149]

In May 2017, Freeform cable channel aired a special documentary, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, based on the services provided by Disney Parks and Resorts unit, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons. With success of the May special, the show was picked up as a series with seven episodes in October 2017.[150] However, another special, Holiday Magic, was aired on December 11, 2017 with the now six episode regular series starting on June 11, 2018.[151][152]

Other ventures

[edit]

Disney Signature Experiences

[edit]

The Disney Signature Experiences division, which was formerly known as the Disney Cruise Line & New Vacation Operations, holds newer non-theme park travel units under president Thomas Mazloum.[95]

In February 2009, Tom McAlpin left the Disney Cruise Line presidency and was replaced by Karl Holz as president of both Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations. New Vacation Operations included the Adventures by Disney.[153] The cruise line ordered three ships of a new class of ship, Triton, in 2016 and 2017.[154] In April 2017, it was announced that Karl Holz would retire as president of Disney Cruise Line on February 15, 2018 and Anthony Connelly would assumed the role of president on October 1, 2017.[155]

Soon after a March 2018 conglomerate wide reorganization that formed Disney Parks, Experiences and Products segment division, Disney Cruise Line and New Vacation Operations was renamed Disney Signature Experiences along with a new president, Jeff Vahle.[84] Ken Potrock was promoted from Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Vacation Club to President of Consumer Products in May 2018.[156][157] Disney Cruise Line purchased in early March 2019 another Bahamas destination, Lighthouse Point property on the island of Eleuthera from the Bahamas Government.[86]

With the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by August 2019, National Geographic Partners' National Geographic Expeditions moved into Disney Signature Experiences.[89]

Disney Sports Enterprises

[edit]
Disney Sports Enterprises
FormerlyDisney Sports Attractions
IndustrySports
FounderReggie Williams.[159]
Key people
Rosalyn Durant (SVP, operations for Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports and Waterparks)
Faron Kelley (vice president, sports)
Servicesroad race
sports events
ParentDisney Experiences
DivisionsESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
runDisney
Websitedisneysportsnews.com

Disney Sports Enterprises, formerly called Disney Sports Attractions,[160] is the unit of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products for Disney's sports functions and is made up of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the runDisney program.[161]

DSE background

[edit]

Disney Golf facilities date back to the opening of Disney World with two golf courses, the Palm and Magnolia courses. At the time, those courses started hosting the Walt Disney World Open Invitational, an annual PGA Tour event.[162]

In 1994, Disney held the Walt Disney World Marathon, its first road race added additional races later.[163] Disneyland Marathon and 5K were run in 1995 three weeks after the LA Marathon on March 26, 1995.[164]

In 1995, Disney World had IMS Events, Inc. build the Walt Disney World Speedway.[165] Disney's Wide World of Sports opened in 1997 under executive Reggie Williams.[159]

DSE history

[edit]

By 1998, Williams was named vice president of Disney Sports Attractions, overseeing a newly created sports & recreation division.[166] The first 10K Disney Classic race on October 3, 1999, kicked off Disney World's 15-month Millennium Celebration.[167] On March 30, 2003, Sports Attractions held the first Disney Inline Marathon.[168]

On November 21, 2007, Reggie Williams retired as vice president of Disney Sports Attractions.[159] His replacement was named on January 3, 2008, when Ken Potrock was promoted to Senior Vice President, Disney Sports Enterprises.[160] On February 25, 2010, Disney's Wide World of Sports was renamed ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex with some upgrades and new facilities.[169]

On September 25, 2011, Disney started the lease of its five Disney World golf courses (Palm, Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, Osprey Ridge, and Oak Trail) to Arnold Palmer Golf Management to operate for 20 years while splitting the revenue. As part of the deal, Arnold Palmer would redesign the Palm course. The Orlando market for golf had a glut of course from the building boom then bust making profitability a challenge for any golf course. Disney hoped that Palmer's involvement and "Palmer Advantage" membership club would draw more attention to Disney's course. With the Osprey Ridge course sold to Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to build a hotel, which was delayed until 2014, the golf management company would run the course until hotel construction begins. While another golf course, the Eagle Pines, was closed several years ago to make way for a residential housing subdivision development called Golden Oak being built in 2011.[162]

In January 2013, Ken Petrock was promoted to Disney Vacation Club and Adventures by Disney senior vice president & general manager while Tom Wolber, Disney Cruise Line senior vice president of operations, was promoted to replace Petrock at Disney Sports.[161] In late June 2015, the Walt Disney World Speedway was shut down.[165]

Sports marketing director Faron Kelley was promoted to vice president of sports in January 2016 and has responsibility for the water parks too.[170] Senior vice president of Disney Springs and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Maribeth Bisienere was promoted to Senior Vice President of Parks in early March 2018.[171] Rosalyn Durant moved over from ESPN to be appointed in February 2020 as senior vice president of operations for Disney Springs, ESPN Wide World of Sports and Waterparks.[172]

runDisney races[173][174]
Race weekend month location Inaugurated
Disney World Marathon January Disney World 1994[163]
Princess Half-Marathon February 2009[175]
Star Wars Half Marathon
— The Dark Side		 April 2016[175]
Wine & Dine Half-Marathon November
Tinker Bell Half-Marathon May Disneyland
Disneyland Half-Marathon September
(Labor Day weekend)
Avengers Super Heroes Half Marathon November 2014[163]
Star Wars Half Marathon
— The Light Side		 January 2015[163]
Disneyland Paris Half Marathon September Disneyland Paris 2016[163]

Halfway to Halloween

[edit]

An advertisement campaign exclusively from Disney Experiences, selling Halloween-themed merchandising and food all throughout the Disney parks and resort, occurring during spring from April to May.

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Formerly known as Walt Disney Outdoor Recreation Division, Walt Disney Attractions, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Wang, Christine (March 14, 2018). "Disney announces strategic reorganization, effective immediately". CNBC. Archived from the original on March 15, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "Detail by Entity Name: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide, Inc". SunBiz.org. Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  3. ^ "Company Overview of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on February 5, 2018. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Brzeski, Patrick (November 16, 2023). "Disney's "Turbocharging" of Theme Park Business Gathers Pace With 'Frozen Land' Launch in Hong Kong". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  5. ^ "TEA/AECOM 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index: The Global Attractions Attendance Report" (PDF). TEA/AECOM. 2019. p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 2, 2017. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  6. ^ Barnes, Brooks (April 26, 2015). "Thomas Staggs: Disney's Heir, Apparently". The New York Times. New York. p. BU1. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  7. ^ "Form 10-K, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, by the Walt Disney Company for the Fiscal Year Ended September 27, 2014" (PDF). The Walt Disney Company. November 19, 2014. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 17, 2014. Retrieved November 23, 2014.
  8. ^ Pallotta, Frank (September 30, 2020). "Disney is laying off 28,000 employees as pandemic hammers its theme parks". CNN Business. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  9. ^ a b Aberdeen, J. A. (2000). "Disneyland". Hollywood Renegades. Cobblestone Entertainment. ISBN 1-890110-24-8. Retrieved May 5, 2015.
  10. ^ "Disneyland Tabs $2.29 Per Capita; See Small Net First Yr". Billboard. January 28, 1956. p. 69. Archived from the original on June 3, 2016. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
  11. ^ Kimler, Forest (September 11, 1978). "Jack Built More Than a House". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on December 22, 2015. Retrieved August 28, 2015.
  12. ^ a b c Peltz, James F. (October 2, 1990). "The Wonderful World of Disney's Other Firm : Entertainment: Walt Disney created a separate company for his family. Retlaw Enterprises Inc. is now worth hundreds of millions". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 3, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2012.
  13. ^ "Disneyland Draws 4,200,000; Parent Firm Buys More Stock". Billboard. January 13, 1958. Archived from the original on October 8, 2015. Retrieved May 6, 2015.
  14. ^ a b "Celebrity Sports Center". D23.com. The Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original on September 6, 2015. Retrieved October 6, 2015.
  15. ^ "Business Entity Detail: Disneyland International (C0423655; must search on name)". California Department of State. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  16. ^ a b "Disneyland in Tokyo Is a 10-Year Hit". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. April 12, 1994. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  17. ^ a b c d e f "Disneyland: A Chronology". Los Angeles Times. May 9, 1991. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
  18. ^ Kroon, Richard W. (2014). A/V A to Z: An Encyclopedic Dictionary of Media, Entertainment and Other Audiovisual Terms. McFarland. p. 64. ISBN 978-0-7864-5740-3.
  19. ^ a b Brown, Genevieve Shaw (March 21, 2014). "It's a Small World: 9 Little-Known Facts". Good Morning America. ABC News. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
  20. ^ Korkis, Jim (September 13, 2005). "Wednesdays with Wade: 25 years of "Disney on Ice"". JimHillMedia. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  21. ^ "Live Disney Characters in Traveling Arena Show". The News and the Eastern Townships Advocate. Vol. 123, no. 45. St. Johns, PQ: E.R. Smith Co. Ltd. September 17, 1970. pp. 2, 3. Retrieved July 30, 2015.
  22. ^ "The saga of Mineral King". High Country News. February 2, 2009. Archived from the original on June 16, 2009. Retrieved September 12, 2009.
  23. ^ "Disney Legend: Dick Nunis". d23. The Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original on September 8, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2015.
  24. ^ "Disney Inn, The". D23: Disney A to Z. The Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
  25. ^ Smith, Dave. "Downtown Disney Marketplace". D23: Disney A to Z. Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  26. ^ a b Miller, Greg (November 8, 1995). "Disney Plans Aquatic Park in Tokyo". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 25, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  27. ^ Hauptman, Max. "Survey: 45% of parents take on debt for Disney vacations but the regrets are few". USA TODAY. Retrieved December 11, 2024.
  28. ^ Weiss, Werner. "Disney-MGM Studios: The End of the MGM Name". Yesterland.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2015. Retrieved October 7, 2015. sources:
  29. ^ a b Berg, Eric N. (September 29, 1987). "Company News; Wrather Accepts $21-a-Share Offer". The New York Times. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  30. ^ a b "COMPANY NEWS; Disney Buys Stake". The New York Times. March 30, 1988. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
  31. ^ a b c Fritscher, Lisa. "How Disney Cruises Started". USA Today. Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Demand Media. Archived from the original on March 16, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2015. (use archival url as original info was replaced.)
  32. ^ "Detail by Entity Name: Walt Disney Attractions, Incorporated". SunBiz.org. Florida Department of State Division of Corporations. Archived from the original on November 19, 2015. Retrieved October 12, 2015.
  33. ^ a b Marr, Merissa (October 17, 2007). "Disney's $1 Billion Adventure". The Wall Street Journal. p. B1. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  34. ^ Lancaster, Cory (April 20, 1998). "Animal Kingdom Throws Star-studded Bash". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  35. ^ Matzer, Marla (August 28, 1997). "It Didn't Play in Puyallup, so Disney Tries Singapore". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved September 23, 2015.
  36. ^ "Disney, Partner to Build New Tokyo Theme Park". Los Angeles Times. Associated Press. November 27, 1997. Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  37. ^ Lancaster, Cory (December 12, 1998). "Disney's Nunis To Retire". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 12, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  38. ^ "Merger Sheet" (tif). SunBiz.org. State of Florida. October 28, 1999. Archived from the original on November 24, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  39. ^ Pecho, Bruce (May 31, 1998). "Virtual Reality Rules At Disney's Newest Theme Park". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  40. ^ Bigness, Jon (June 16, 1999). "Disney's Daring Concept". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  41. ^ Chung, Yulanda (November 12, 1999). "Making A Magic Kingdom". Asiaweek. Vol. 25, no. 45. CNN. Archived from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  42. ^ a b c d e Nefer, Barb. "Disney Cruise Line History". USA Today. Demand Media. Archived from the original on May 5, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  43. ^ Hill, Jim (June 5, 2008). "Will pirates soon be returning to Treasure ... er ... Discovery Island?". Jim Hill Media. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved April 13, 2016.
  44. ^ "Events: Name History". SunBiz.org. State of Florida. Archived from the original on November 18, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2015.
  45. ^ Verrier, Richard (September 5, 2001). "Disney's New Tokyo Sea-Themed Park Opens". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2015.
  46. ^ McGeehan, Patrick (September 23, 2009). "For Disney, the Magic on Fifth Avenue Ends". The New York Times. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved November 12, 2015.
  47. ^ a b MacDonald, Brady (June 18, 2012). "Disney California Adventure: How we got here and what's next". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on February 22, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  48. ^ Orlando Attractions, October 2008, Volume 1, Number 6.
  49. ^ Mervine, Bob (August 9, 2007). "Disney-MGM Studios to be renamed". Orlando Business Journal. American City Business Journals. Archived from the original on February 25, 2008. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  50. ^ Powers, Scott (June 28, 2008). "The party's over at Pleasure Island: Disney to shut down 6 nightclubs". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 7, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  51. ^ Orlando Attractions Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Fall 2010, Volume 3, Number 4. Page 22. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
  52. ^ Jody Revenson (editor), 2006. Disney Insider Yearbook 2005 Year in Review Archived October 19, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Page 69. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
  53. ^ Elder, Robert K. (July 16, 2001). "What went wrong at DisneyQuest?". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 27, 2016. Retrieved April 18, 2016.
  54. ^ Ward, Terry (February 24, 2015). "Adventures by Disney: Long weekends, Disney-style". USA Today. Archived from the original on April 13, 2016. Retrieved April 19, 2016.
  55. ^ Schaefers, Allison (October 4, 2007). "Aloha, Disney". Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved October 6, 2007.
  56. ^ Chmielewski, Dawn C. (February 19, 2009). "Disney combines theme park functions in prelude to job cuts". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved September 22, 2015.
  57. ^ "Shanghai Disneyland Project Gets Approval". Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved June 21, 2012.
  58. ^ a b Smith, Thomas (January 12, 2016). "Opening Date Set for Shanghai Disney Resort, Disney's Newest World-Class Destination". DisneyParks Blog. Archived from the original on June 18, 2016. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  59. ^ Pimentel, Joseph (July 16, 2017). "D23 Expo: Pixar Pier to replace Paradise Pier at Disney California Adventure". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  60. ^ Wisel, Carlye (June 22, 2018). "Pixar Pier Is Finally Open at Disney California Adventure — Here's What You Can Expect". Travel + Leisure. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  61. ^ Pedicini, Sandra (August 15, 2015). "Star Wars land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on August 16, 2015. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  62. ^ Parker, Ryan (April 14, 2016). "Disney Breaks Ground on 'Star Wars' Land in California and Florida". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on April 17, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  63. ^ Trowbridge, Scott (May 22, 2018). "Opening Season Just Announced for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge". Disney Parks Blog. The Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original on June 14, 2018. Retrieved June 15, 2018.
  64. ^ Sekula, Sarah (December 10, 2012). "Disney brings more oomph with New Fantasyland". CNN.com. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Archived from the original on May 8, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  65. ^ Kubersky, Seth (April 4, 2016). "Updated Toy Story Land concept art unveiled at Disney's Hollywood Studios". Attractions Magazine. Dream Together Media, LLC. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  66. ^ a b Garcia, Jason (February 14, 2009). "Familiar face takes Disney Cruise Line helm: Karl Holz". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 8, 2016. Retrieved April 9, 2017.
  67. ^ a b Garcia, Jason (July 5, 2011). "Disney executive changes: Head of Disney's theme parks makes executive changes". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 14, 2017. Retrieved April 13, 2017.
  68. ^ "Philippe Gas to Assume Top Duties at Euro Disney" (PDF) (Press release). Marne-la-Vallée: Euro Disney S.C.A. April 11, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2016.
  69. ^ Garcia, Jason (October 18, 2010). "Disney sets maiden voyage for new cruise ship". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 8, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  70. ^ "Major Refit Planned for Disney Magic". Cruise Industry News. April 26, 2013. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  71. ^ Li, Zoe (November 21, 2011). "Toy Story Land hopes to save Hong Kong Disney". CNN.com. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  72. ^ Guinigundo, Andy (July 31, 2012). "Out of the Loop: Hong Kong Disneyland debuts Grizzly Gulchf". Attractions Magazine. Dream Together Media, LLC. Archived from the original on April 28, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  73. ^ "Hong Kong Disneyland's Mystic Point opens May 17". TTG Asia. April 19, 2013. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
  74. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (February 5, 2015). "Disney Promotes Tom Staggs to No. 2 Post, Positioning Him as Iger's Successor". Variety. Variety Magazine. Archived from the original on February 5, 2015. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  75. ^ Barnes, Brooks (February 23, 2015). "Disney Names Robert Chapek Chairman for Theme Parks". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  76. ^ Pimentel, Joseph (April 29, 2015). "Disney purchases Carousel Inn for $32 million". OCRegister.com. The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on October 25, 2015. Retrieved November 16, 2015.
  77. ^ Pimentel, Joseph (August 16, 2016). "Q&A Disneyland's massive parking project". OCRegister.com. The Orange County Register. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved August 24, 2016.
  78. ^ a b Littleton, Cynthia (February 10, 2017). "Disney Seeks Full Ownership of Disneyland Paris". Variety. Archived from the original on February 17, 2017. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
  79. ^ "Final results of the simplified public tender offer on Euro Disney S.C.A. The Walt Disney Company to implement a mandatory buy-out and delisting". MarketWatch. Archived from the original on April 2, 2018. Retrieved June 13, 2017.
  80. ^ Barnes, Brooks (March 14, 2018). "Disney Reorganization Anticipates 21st Century Fox Assets". The New York Times. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 14, 2018.
  81. ^ "Imagineering Sees Big Growth as "Parks, Experiences, and Consumer Products" Announces Structure". LaughingPlace.com. March 21, 2018. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  82. ^ "Catherine Powell steps into new Disney role". Park World. March 29, 2018. Archived from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
  83. ^ "Disney Unveils Solo: A Star Wars Story Merch". License Global. UBM Americas. April 9, 2018. Archived from the original on December 16, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  84. ^ a b c d Tribou, Richard (April 20, 2018). "New president named for Disney Cruise Line, Vacation Club and more". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 1, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  85. ^ "Certificate of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products". Sunbiz.org. Detail by Entity Name. State of Florida. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  86. ^ a b Tribou, Richard (March 11, 2019). "Disney Cruise Line completes land purchase, enters agreement for second Bahamas destination". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on March 12, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  87. ^ "Disney denies any plans to launch airline in the US". Stuff. July 22, 2019. Archived from the original on July 31, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  88. ^ Elliott, Annabel Fenwick (July 22, 2019). "Disney denies rumours of US airline launch". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on July 31, 2019. Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  89. ^ a b Steinberg, Brian (August 29, 2019). "Disney Layoffs Affect National Geographic". Variety. Archived from the original on November 11, 2019. Retrieved November 13, 2019.
  90. ^ Palmeri, Christopher (September 23, 2019). "Disney's U.S. Parks Chief Leaves After 15 Years With Company". Bloomberg.com. Archived from the original on September 25, 2019. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
  91. ^ a b Whitten, Sarah (September 25, 2019). "Disney names new leadership for Disneyland and Walt Disney World". CNBC. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  92. ^ "Shake-up in the leadership of Disney theme park resorts". AP News. September 25, 2019. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  93. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (February 25, 2020). "Bob Chapek to Succeed Bob Iger as Disney CEO". Variety. Archived from the original on February 25, 2020. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
  94. ^ "Disney Parks Donates 150,000 Rain Ponchos to Hospitals and Medical Professionals". Parents. Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2020.
  95. ^ a b c Parker, Ryan (May 18, 2020). "Josh D'Amaro Named Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on May 28, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  96. ^ Whitten, Sarah (May 18, 2020). "Disney taps two company veterans to head-up parks and streaming businesses". CNBC. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2020.
  97. ^ Goldsmith, Jill (July 15, 2020). "Walt Disney Sets Global Marketing Chief Jill Estorino To Run International Parks; Previous Chief Heads To Outer Space". Deadline. Archived from the original on July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2020.
  98. ^ Pallotta, Frank (September 29, 2020). "Disney is laying off 28,000 employees as pandemic hammers its theme parks". CNN. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  99. ^ "6,700 non-union Disney employees in Central Florida among those being laid off". WESH. September 30, 2020. Retrieved September 30, 2020.
  100. ^ Deerwester, Jayme (October 13, 2020). "Disney World attendance to stay capped; Disneyland reopening 'not much of a negotiation,' CEO says". USA Today. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  101. ^ Barkas, Sherry (April 30, 2021). "'We have waited so long for this': Disneyland reopens after 412 days". USA Today.
  102. ^ a b MacDonald, Brady (October 29, 2021). "Disney Imagineering relocation shifts creative balance of power from California to Florida". Orange County Register. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  103. ^ a b Rice, Katie (November 7, 2021). "Disney's Lake Nona campus means big gains for company but likely staff losses, too". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
  104. ^ Whitten, Sarah (May 18, 2023). "Disney scraps plans for new Florida campus, mass employee relocation amid DeSantis feud". CNBC.
  105. ^ a b c Beckett, Lois (August 12, 2024). "'How Disney adults recharge their magic': inside Disney's epic – and expensive – superfan event". The Guardian. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
  106. ^ Whitten, Sarah (August 11, 2024). "From villains to Indiana Jones: Everything we learned at Disney's parks panel at the 2024 D23 Expo". CNBC. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  107. ^ a b Chen, Natasha (August 16, 2024). "Disney has a price problem. It has ambitious plans to fix that". CNN. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  108. ^ Yearout, Steve; Weil, Gerry Miles, with Richard Koonce ; foreword by Audrey (2001). Growing leaders : a leader-builder handbook for HRD and training professionals, business executives and managers, executive coaches. Alexandria, VA: ASTD. p. 193. ISBN 1562862898.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  109. ^ Lipp, Doug (2013). Disney U : how Disney University develops the world's most engaged, loyal, and customer-centric employees. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0071808071.
  110. ^ Dilsaver, L.M.; Tweed, W.C. (1990). "New Directions and a Second Century (1972–1990)". Challenge of the Big Trees. Sequoia Natural History Association.
  111. ^ "Walt Disney Company proposed a Disney Resort in Sydney". The Sydney Morning Herald. January 11, 2014. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 4, 2014.
  112. ^ Ungerleider, Neal. "Disney to Open Theme Park in Israel?" Archived January 10, 2011, at the Wayback Machine Fast Company. January 5, 2011.
  113. ^ Munarriz, Rick (October 18, 2015). "Disney is Taking Too Long to Add Marvel to Disneyland and Disney World". The Motley Fool. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved January 17, 2016.
  114. ^ "Marvel Agreement between MCA Inc. and Marvel Entertainment Group". sec.gov. U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Archived from the original on March 23, 2016. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  115. ^ "Guardians of the Galaxy theme park characters appear for the first time as Walt Disney World welcomes Marvel". Inside the Magic. August 24, 2014. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  116. ^ Slater, Shawn (July 3, 2014). "Exclusive 'Guardians of the Galaxy' Sneak Peek Debuts July 4 at Disney Parks". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on January 29, 2016. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  117. ^ Niles, Robert (November 5, 2016). "Walt Disney World news update: Doctor Strange, new castle show debut". Theme Park Insider. Archived from the original on August 22, 2019. Retrieved August 22, 2019.
  118. ^ "IMG Worlds of Adventure". imgworlds.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
  119. ^ "LEGO STAR WARS™". LEGOLAND Florida. Archived from the original on February 14, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  120. ^ Storey, Ken (December 15, 2019). "As Disney opens its new Star Wars land in Orlando, another local theme park says goodbye". Orlando Weekly. Archived from the original on December 15, 2019. Retrieved December 15, 2019.
  121. ^ Stempel, Jonathan (26 November 2018). "Disney, Fox sued in U.S. for $1 billion over Malaysia theme park". Reuters. Archived from the original on 27 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  122. ^ Patten, Dominic (26 November 2018). "Disney & Fox Accused In $1.75B Suit Of Taking Theme Park Developer For A Ride". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  123. ^ "Genting Malaysia to rightsize workforce, management offered pay cut". New Straits Times. May 22, 2020. Archived from the original on May 25, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  124. ^ Verrier, Richard (May 15, 2002). "Movies Imitate Disney's Parks". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on April 1, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
  125. ^ a b "The Kingdom Keepers (review)". Kirkus Reviews. August 15, 2005. Archived from the original on April 13, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  126. ^ a b "Marvel, Disney unveil 1st comic under new imprint". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Associated Press. October 8, 2013. Archived from the original on October 18, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
  127. ^ Griffin, Sean. "Walt Disney Programs". Encyclopedia of Television. The Museum of Broadcast Communications. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved April 1, 2017.
  128. ^ a b c Bacle, Ariana (April 23, 2014). "Theme park ride-based movies: Will 'Small World' follow the trend?". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  129. ^ a b Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 21, 2017). "Sean Bailey On How Disney's Live-Action Division Found Its 'Beauty And The Beast' Mojo". Deadline. Penske Business Media, LLC. Archived from the original on September 10, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  130. ^ "Disney Sets ABC Pix". Variety. May 1, 1997. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  131. ^ Schwarzbaum, Lisa (March 17, 2000). "Mission to Mars". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  132. ^ McNary, Dave; Graser, Marc (September 19, 2013). "End of an Era: Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Part Ways". Variety. Archived from the original on March 29, 2017. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  133. ^ Hill, Jim (April 3, 2011). "Keeping up with Disney's "Kingdom Keepers" : Ridley Pearson talks about all the research that goes into this popular book series". jimhillmedia.com. Archived from the original on May 23, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  134. ^ Bevil, Dewayne (April 8, 2015). "Disney book writer Ridley Pearson heads back in time". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 16, 2017. Retrieved May 1, 2017.
  135. ^ a b c d Breznican, Anthony (January 28, 2013). "Disney's mysterious '1952' movie has a new name ... 'Tomorrowland'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  136. ^ Graser, Marc. (November 10, 2010). "Jon Favreau enters Disney's 'Magic Kingdom". Variety. Archived from the original on November 14, 2010. Retrieved September 11, 2018.
  137. ^ Schaefer, Sandy (April 4, 2016). "Jon Favreau Says Magic Kingdom Movie Still in Development". Screen Rant. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  138. ^ Tully, Sarah (January 28, 2013). "Is 'Tomorrowland' movie tied to Disneyland area?". Orange County Register. Archived from the original on February 1, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2013.
  139. ^ Kirshenblat, Eliana (October 23, 2015). "Disney's New Tower of Terror Movie Seeking a Writer". ScreenRant. Archived from the original on April 8, 2017. Retrieved March 29, 2017.
  140. ^ a b Fleming, Mike Jr (October 23, 2015). "'Tower Of Terror' Getting Movie Treatment; Venerable Disney Theme Park Fright Ride". Deadline. Penske Business Media, LLC. Archived from the original on October 24, 2015. Retrieved March 28, 2017.
  141. ^ Amidi, Amid (February 10, 2014). "Disney Creates "It's A Small World" Animated Web Series". Cartoon Brew. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  142. ^ "Design Behind the Scenes, The making of It's a Small World: The Animated Series". Disney Insider. February 4, 2014. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  143. ^ Onica (December 2013). "Disney It's a Small World: the Animated Series & Trailer". Mommy Factor. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  144. ^ "Just One Moon! Small World goes to China". Dina Sherman, Official Site. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  145. ^ "Disney Interactive Brings Families Around the World with Original Online Series, 'it's a small world: the animated series'". Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. December 4, 2013. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved December 25, 2022.
  146. ^ Fleming, Mike (April 22, 2014). "Disney To Make 'It's A Small World' Movie: Jon Turteltaub To Direct". Deadline. Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
  147. ^ MacDonald, Heidi (November 13, 2013). "Disney Expands Its Comics Program". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on January 10, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  148. ^ "Disney Comics Previews SPACE MOUNTAIN Graphic Novel". Newsarama. April 30, 2014. Archived from the original on July 10, 2019. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  149. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (October 17, 2017). "Freeform Orders 'Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' Series (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on January 30, 2018. Retrieved January 29, 2018.
  150. ^ Sollosi, Mary (June 7, 2018). "'Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings' is here to make your magical wedding dreams come true". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  151. ^ "Shows A-Z – disney's fairy tale weddings on freeform". TheFutonCritic.com. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  152. ^ Garcia, Jason (February 14, 2009). "Familiar Face Takes Disney Cruise Line Helm: Karl Holz". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on January 8, 2016. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  153. ^ Tribou, Richard (January 22, 2019). "Port Canaveral documents label new cruise ship Disney Triton". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2019.
  154. ^ "Anthony Connelly to Take Top Spot at Disney Cruise Line". Cruise Industry News. April 7, 2017. Archived from the original on September 13, 2018. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  155. ^ "Ken Potrock profile" (PDF). dpecp.disney.com. The Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 16, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  156. ^ "The Walt Disney Company appoints new Head of Consumer Products Commercialization". Retail News Asia. Mojju. November 27, 2018. Archived from the original on December 14, 2018. Retrieved December 13, 2018.
  157. ^ "Storyliving by Disney". Disney Signature Experiences News. Retrieved April 20, 2023.
  158. ^ a b c Robbins, Josh (November 14, 2007). "Reggie Williams to step down as Disney vice president of sports attractions". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  159. ^ a b "Disney Moves Marketing Exec Potrock To Sports Enterprises". Sports Business Daily. American City Business Journals. January 3, 2008. Archived from the original on June 29, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  160. ^ a b "Executive Transactions". Sports Business Daily. American City Business Journals. January 10, 2013. Archived from the original on June 24, 2016. Retrieved April 22, 2016.
  161. ^ a b Garcia, Jason (August 24, 2011). "Disney World to turn golf courses over to Arnold Palmer group". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on December 1, 2011. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  162. ^ a b c d e Sylt, Christian (January 7, 2016). "Disney's Runaway Success". Forbes. Archived from the original on June 1, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  163. ^ VanderKnyff, Rick (March 23, 1995). "Disneyland's Magical Marathon". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 30, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  164. ^ a b Larson, Mike (February 12, 2015). "Walt Disney World Speedway shutting down for good". Autoweek. Crain Communications. Archived from the original on March 5, 2018. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  165. ^ Solano, Javier (March 27, 1998). "Directing Sports Of Disney". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 13, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  166. ^ Carroll, Frank (September 24, 1999). "Disney Classic 10k Is Oct. 3". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on May 30, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  167. ^ "Putting together skate event was a marathon itself". SportsBusiness Journal. No. October 14–20, 2002. American City Business Journals. October 14, 2002. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  168. ^ "Disney's Wide World Of Sports Complex To Receive ESPN Rebranding". Sports Business Daily. No. 40. American City Business Journals. Archived from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  169. ^ Troute, Rex (February 28, 2016). "Kelley's ride at Disney has been magical". The Hawk Eye Newspaper. Grannett. Archived from the original on June 18, 2018. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  170. ^ Storey, Ken (March 12, 2018). "A heavily rumored Mary Poppins attraction is starting to look more real at Epcot". Orlando Weekly. Archived from the original on July 12, 2018. Retrieved July 11, 2018.
  171. ^ Ourand, John (February 6, 2020). "Rosalyn Durant Leaving ESPN To Join Walt Disney World Resort". Sports Business Daily. American City Business Journals, Inc. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
  172. ^ "Event Preview – RunDisney". Endurance Magazine. November 21, 2011. Archived from the original on August 27, 2016. Retrieved April 26, 2016.
  173. ^ "runDisney". rundisney.com. Disney Sports Enterprises. Archived from the original on April 26, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  174. ^ a b Ruiz, Stephen (April 17, 2016). "Runners from Wisconsin, New York conquer Star Wars Half Marathon at Disney". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on April 20, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of the Walt Disney Company", kpolsson.com, retrieved May 5, 2015:

  1. ^ The New York Times, January 13, 1990 Archived September 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page 37.
  2. ^ The New York Times, January 26, 1990. Page D4.
  3. ^ The New York Times, March 17, 1990 Archived September 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page 37.
  4. ^ Business Week, January 29, 2001 Archived September 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page 58.
  5. ^ The New York Times, August 1, 1990 Archived November 17, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page D4.
  6. ^ The New York Times, March 7, 1992 Archived September 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page 49.
  7. ^ "Vacation Club Resort, Vero Beach, Florida" Archived November 24, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page 584. Disney A to Z – The Updated Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1998. Via Chronology of Walt Disney Company (End of 1994) Archived December 13, 2013, at the Wayback Machine.
  8. ^ Work in Progress Archived September 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, by Michael Eisner, 1998. Page 321.
  9. ^ The New York Times, November 12, 1993 Archived November 19, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page A14.
  10. ^ Disney War, by James Stewart, 2005. Page 190.
  11. ^ Pages 23,28. Disney Magazine Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Fall 2000. Accessed on April 18, 2016.
    • Page 16. Disney Magazine, Winter 2000–2001.
  12. ^ http://kpolsson.com/disnehis/disn2002.htm Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine Disney Magazine, Spring 2003, Volume 8, Number 2. Page 29.
  13. ^ Orlando Attractions Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine, Winter 2010. Page 33. Accessed on April 18, 2016.
  14. ^ Disney Twenty-three, Fall 2011, Volume 3, Issue 3.
  15. ^ Disney Magazine Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Winter 2001–2002. Page 22.
    • Disney Magazine, Spring 2002. Page 28.
    • Disney Magazine, Winter 2002, Volume 8, Number 1. Page 54.
    • Stewart, James (2005). Disney War. Page 387.
    • Jody Revenson (editor), 2006. Disney Insider Yearbook 2005 Year in Review. Page 81. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
  16. ^ Disney Magazine Archived October 19, 2013, at the Wayback Machine, Summer 2005, Volume 10, Number 3. Page 33. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
    • Jody Revenson (editor), 2006. Disney Insider Yearbook 2005 Year in Review. Page 5.
  17. ^ Orlando Attractions Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Spring 2010, Volume 3, Number 2. Page 61. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
  18. ^ Oars & Ears Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. December 2006, Volume 7, Number 9. Page 7. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
  19. ^ Jody Revenson (editor), 2006. Disney Insider Yearbook 2005 Year in Review Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Page 5. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
  20. ^ Orlando Attractions Archived May 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Volume 2, Number 1. Page 32. December 2008. Accessed on April 18, 2016.
  21. ^ Eyes & Ears. Volume 29, Number 38. Page 5. September 23, 1999. Accessed on April 18, 2016.
  22. ^ Strodder, Chris. (2008). The Disneyland Encyclopedia Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. Page 166. Accessed on April 19, 2016.
  23. ^ Cruise Travel Archived March 5, 2016, at the Wayback Machine. July 2011, Volume 33, Number 1. Page 36.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Disneyland Theme Park", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved May 5, 2015:

  1. ^ Thomas, Bob (1998). Building a Company - Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empire. p. 254.
    • Gabler, Neal (2006). Walt Disney – The Triumph of the American Imagination. p. 493.
  2. ^ Thomas, Bob (1994). Walt Disney – An American Original. p. 222.
  3. ^ Walt Disney, by Jim Fanning, 1994. Page 100.
  4. ^ Walt Disney – Hollywood's Dark Prince, by Marc Eliot, 1993. Page 223.
  5. ^ Walt Disney, by Jim Fanning, 1994. Page 102.
  6. ^ Thomas, Bob (1994). Walt Disney – An American Original. p. 286.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Disneyland Theme Park (1985–1989)", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved May 5, 2015:

  1. ^ Canadian Coin News, July 21, 1987, Volume 25, Number 6. Page 2.
  2. ^ Disneyland: Then, Now, and Forever, by Bruce Gordon and Tim O'Day, 2005. Page 99.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Disneyland Theme Park (1990–1999)", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved May 5, 2015:

  1. ^ The New York Times, December 13, 1991. Page D1.
  2. ^ Walt Disney – Hollywood's Dark Prince, by Marc Eliot, 1993. Page 279.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Walt Disney World (1958–1971)", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved September 24, 2015:

  1. ^ a b Walt Disney – An American Original, by Bob Thomas, 1994.
  2. ^ Building a Company – Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empire, by Bob Thomas, 1998. Pages 278, 279, 281–282.
  3. ^ a b Walt Disney – An American Original, by Bob Thomas, 1994. Page 337.
  4. ^ Thomas, Bob (1994). Walt Disney – An American Original. p. 357.
  5. ^ Smith, Dave; Clark, Steven (2002). Disney – The First 100 Years (updated ed.). p. 103.
  6. ^ Cooper, M; Friedman, D (May 28, 1990). "Empire of the Sun". U.S. News & World Report. p. 47.
  7. ^ Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 1997. Hearst Business Publishing. 1996. p. 15. ISBN 9780786881925.
  8. ^ Smith, Dave (1996). Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia. p. 103, 191,397. ISBN 9780786881499.
  9. ^ Smith, Dave (1996). Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia. p. 209. ISBN 9780786881499.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Walt Disney World (1972–1982)", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved September 24, 2015:

  1. ^ a b c d Smith, Dave (1996). Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia. ISBN 9780786881499.
  2. ^ Disney A to Z – The Updated Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1998.
  3. ^ Disney Magazine, Summer 1999. Page 85.
  4. ^ Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 1997, by Hearst Business Publishing, 1996.
  5. ^ Walt Disney World, by The Walt Disney Company, 1994?.
  6. ^ The New York Times, June 4, 1980 Archived September 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page D1.
  7. ^ Forbes, March 6, 1989 Archived September 29, 2015, at the Wayback Machine, Volume 143. Page 42.
  8. ^ Walt Disney – Hollywood's Dark Prince, by Marc Eliot, 1993.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Walt Disney World (1983–1989)", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved September 24, 2015:

  1. ^ Canadian Coin News, October 27, 1987, Volume 25, Number 13. Page 1.
  2. ^ Building a Dream – The Art of Disney Architecture, by Beth Dunlop, 1996. Pages 63,66.
  3. ^ The New York Times, January 28, 1988. Page C1.
  4. ^ Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1996. Page 387.
  5. ^ Prince of the Magic Kingdom, by Joe Flower, 1991.
  6. ^ Walt Disney World – 20 Magical Years, by the Walt Disney Company, 1991/2?.
  7. ^ Page D5. The New York Times, May 1, 1989, Volume 138, Number 47857.
  8. ^ Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 1997, by Hearst Business Publishing, 1996. Page 18.
  9. ^ Orlando Attractions, Summer 2009. Page 33.
  10. ^ Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1996. Page 132.
  11. ^ Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1996. Page 324.
  12. ^ The Disney Magazine, Fall 1995, Volume 30, Number 4. Page 43.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Walt Disney World (1990–1994)", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved September 24, 2015:

  1. ^ The New York Times, January 16, 1990. Page D8.
  2. ^ a b Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1996.
  3. ^ Disney Magazine, Summer 2001. Page 39.
  4. ^ The Disney Magazine, Spring 1996, Volume 31, Number 2. Page 18.
    • Disney A to Z – The Updated Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1998. Page 584.

From Polsson, Ken, "Chronology of Walt Disney World (1995-end)", Chronology of the Walt Disney Company, retrieved September 24, 2015:

  1. ^ Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 1997, by Hearst Business Publishing, 1996. Page 192.
  2. ^ Building a Dream – The Art of Disney Architecture, by Beth Dunlop, 1996. Page 192.
  3. ^ Walt Disney World Speedway Archived November 17, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Disney A to Z – The Updated Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith, 1998. Page 597.
  4. ^ Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 1997, by Hearst Business Publishing, 1996. Page 181.
  5. ^ Boardwalk Archived November 17, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page 62. (1996). Disney A to Z – The Official Encyclopedia, by Dave Smith.
  6. ^ Smith, Dave. World of Disney Archived November 17, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. Page 62. (1999). Disney A to Z – The Updated Official Encyclopedia.
  7. ^ Disney Magazine, Spring 1998. Page 31.
[edit]
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Disney.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Disney_Experiences&oldid=1262376114"