Tom Corless – WDW News Today The Worldwide Leader in Disney Parks News Thu, 30 Mar 2023 23:45:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 https://media.wdwnt.com/2024/01/wdwnt-icon-square-9905175-100x100.jpg Tom Corless – WDW News Today 32 32 TONIGHT on The Season Finale of WDW News Tonight (3/30/23) – March Madness Decides The Single BEST Food Item in All of Walt Disney World! /2023/03/wdw-news-tonight-3-30-23/ Thu, 30 Mar 2023 23:30:02 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=898679&preview=true&preview_id=898679 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, psychotic comments from the internet, and the conclusion of our tournament to determine the single BEST food item in all of Walt Disney World! Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, ... Read more

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, psychotic comments from the internet, and the conclusion of our tournament to determine the single BEST food item in all of Walt Disney World!

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • WDWNT March Madness 2023 – Walt Disney World Food Items
  • And more!

If you would like to follow along at home, feel free to download the tournament brackets below:

2023 WDWNT MM WDW Foods

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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CONCEPT ART: TRON Lightcycle-Type Ride Was Envisioned for PeopleMover Track in New Tomorrowland at Disneyland, Jet Packs, Wall-E & More /2023/03/concept-art-tron-lightcycle-type-ride-was-envisioned-for-peoplemover-track-in-new-tomorrowland-at-disneyland-jet-packs-wall-e-more/ /2023/03/concept-art-tron-lightcycle-type-ride-was-envisioned-for-peoplemover-track-in-new-tomorrowland-at-disneyland-jet-packs-wall-e-more/#comments Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:30:44 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=896502 In 1998, Disneyland introduced a New Tomorrowland. Headlined by the infamous Rocket Rods, which ran on the track once intended for the beloved PeopleMover, the overhaul of the classic themed land was an unmitigated disaster. Large attraction spaces for the CircleVision Theater and Mission to Mars became queues and restaurants respectively, Space Mountain was painted ... Read more

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In 1998, Disneyland introduced a New Tomorrowland. Headlined by the infamous Rocket Rods, which ran on the track once intended for the beloved PeopleMover, the overhaul of the classic themed land was an unmitigated disaster. Large attraction spaces for the CircleVision Theater and Mission to Mars became queues and restaurants respectively, Space Mountain was painted an unsightly copper color, and the land’s other new offerings were attractions that opened in EPCOT in 1994. Once Rocket Rods closed in 2002, Disneyland fans began to speculate about the future of the area. An effort to quickly correct the mistakes of 1998 was made in the mid-2000s when Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters replaced the queue of Rocket Rods. The land was slowly painted in shades of blue to erase the disliked copper-tones that were added. The classic Submarine Voyage was even brought back to life as a new attraction featuring characters from Finding Nemo. Despite all of this, questions remained about the future of the PeopleMover track and other unsuccessful venues from the overhaul.

Well, as early as 2008, Disneyland was planning to fix Tomorrowland.

In what is essentially a book documenting the possible 5-year-plan for Disneyland Park around 2008 (which we acquired at a recent auction), an entire section breaks down what was being worked on for another New Tomorrowland, one we are sadly still waiting on as of the writing of this piece. The page is broken into two segments, one featuring items that were already in development or negotiation, and another with the “Walt Disney Imagineering Master Plan” for the area.

Tomrrowland 2008 DL Creative Menu
A 2008 Disneyland Creative Menu breaks down possible plans for Tomorrowland at Disneyland Park.

Here’s what is listed:

  • Monorail – In production
  • Star Tours 3.5 – In development
  • Chevron Initiative – In negotiations
  • Wall-E Synergy Initiative – HISTA/Innoventions
  • Beamway/Rocket Bikes – Investigate ride system
  • Space Mountain/Forecort/HISTAS – Global 3D Strategy
  • Rocket Jet Packs – Investigate ride system

As far as the items in production, the Disneyland Monorail Mark VII trains began debuting in July 2008.

2008 Tomorrowland DL Realized
Concept art for the Disneyland Mark VII Monorail, Star Tours Episode 3.5 (eventually Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, and the Autopia.

Star Tours 3.5 was a reference to the timeline in which the new Star Tours: The Adventures Continue would take place, between Episode III and IV of the Skywalker Saga. This opened in 2011.

The Chevron Initiative is referencing the Disneyland Autopia, which was sponsored by Chevron from 2000-2012. This was speaking of the upcoming contract expiration, which did come to pass without Chevron renewing. Honda became the new sponsor in 2016, eventually updating the ride and adding ASIMO and his counterpart Bird to the attraction.

The Wall-E synergy initiative was likely referring to the “Living Character” Wall-E that Walt Disney Imagineering built but never got to use in public outside of some appearances at D23 Expo events and a few other non-park opportunities. There was even a backdrop for it at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at The Magic of Disney Animation, but it just sat there with no character ever materializing.

As for the WDI Master Plan, well, this is where things get really interesting.

The Rocket Bikes certainly do evoke some feelings of the TRON Lightcycle, and it is so strange that they aren’t specifically TRON vehicles given how close this was the the release of “TRON Legacy” in 2010. That being said, maybe this choice was on purpose to protect the secret of the new TRON Legacy Lightcycles which were not revealed at this time. Lucky for us, the concept eventually made its way into a roller coaster for Shanghai Disneyland in 2016 and the recently opened TRON Lightcycle / Run at the Magic Kingdom.

DL 2008 Rocket Bikes Tomorrowland
Rocket Bikes were envisioned to replace the Rocket Rods, which replaced the Disneyland PeopleMover.

The concept art here shows single-file trains of Rocket Bikes zooming past what looks like the Astro Orbitor. They also appear to be on banked turns, an investment that wasn’t made for Rocket Rods and was eventually a big part of the reason why the attraction had to be retired.

Sadly for Disneyland, the PeopleMover track remains dormant, although rumor is that a new, shorter version of the PeopleMover attraction is currently in development.

2008 Tomorrowland DL Unknown 1
It’s unclear what part of a new Disneyland Tomorrowland this concept art represents.

The Global 3D Strategy is likely referring to the eventual use of the Magic Eye Theater, then home to Honey, I Shrunk the Audience, as a theater to preview upcoming Disney 3D films. While this did eventually happen, Captain EO Tribute ended up being the next attraction in the space, while the previews were relegated to Disney California Adventure for a while in different venues. After Captain EO Tribute closed, guests would find these film previews, for a period, in Tomorrowland.

DL 2008 Tomorrowland Overall
Rocket Bikes and Rocket Jet Packs swirl around a drastically reimagined center of Tomorrowland at Disneyland in this concept art.

Rocket Jet Packs appears to be using the same ride structure as the Astro Orbitor with two important changes: it is moved back to where it was formerly located on an elevated platform in the middle of Tomorrowland and the rockets have been turned into “jet packs”. While this didn’t materialize at Disneyland, it was in fact an opening day attraction at Shanghai Disneyland.

DL 2008 Tomorrowlanf Jet Packs 1
Rocket Jet Packs take over what looks to be the Astro Orbitor apparatus, moved to an elevated platform in Tomorrowland in this concept art.

In this Creative Menu book, the Tomorrowland project is listed as a possibility for 2012, but with a choice between this project and a large Fantasyland expansion project. Neither of these actually materialized, but in fairness, the document did label both as plans “for the next 5 years or beyond.”

While we are still waiting for new developments for Tomorrowland at Disneyland, it is interesting to see that the problem has not only been known for at least 15 years, but there have been very real plans to correct it.

So, what do you think of these plans? Would you want to see the or other changes materialize in Tomorrowland at Disneyland? Let us know in the comments.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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Bright Paint Job Continues on Transformers: The Ride Façade at Universal Studios Florida /2023/03/transformers-painted-blue/ Sun, 26 Mar 2023 19:28:08 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=896408 A teal color scheme is being incorporated across the building housing Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Florida. We previously reported first spotting blue stripes Thursday on the side directly behind construction for the new Minion Café in Production Central — soon to be transformed into a Minions-dedicated land. Color Transformation at Transformers We assume ... Read more

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A teal color scheme is being incorporated across the building housing Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Florida. We previously reported first spotting blue stripes Thursday on the side directly behind construction for the new Minion Café in Production Central — soon to be transformed into a Minions-dedicated land.

Color Transformation at Transformers

transformersblue4

We assume the painting is related to the new Minion Cafe and will not over other sections of the building not facing the “new” land.

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transformersblue2

Starting off as a mere few stripes, it seems the entirety of the building may in fact be receiving a new coat of paint.

transformersblue1

Roughly half of the Minions Café-facing wall is now teal.

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The Supply Vault portion of the façade remains unchanged on the approach to Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit.

Check out our coverage of the upcoming Minion land and Illumination Avenue here:

Any guesses about the meaning or purpose behind this new color scheme? Let us know in the comments!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (3/23/23) – March Madness Begins to Decide The Single BEST Food Item in All of Walt Disney World! /2023/03/tonight-on-wdw-news-tonight-3-23-23-march-madness-begins-to-decide-the-single-best-food-item-in-all-of-walt-disney-world/ Thu, 23 Mar 2023 22:00:15 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=895413&preview=true&preview_id=895413 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, psychotic comments from the internet, and the start of our tournament to determine the single BEST food item in all of Walt Disney World! Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, ... Read more

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, psychotic comments from the internet, and the start of our tournament to determine the single BEST food item in all of Walt Disney World!

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • WDWNT March Madness 2023 – Walt Disney World Food Items
  • And more!

If you would like to follow along at home, feel free to download the tournament brackets below:

WDW Food Tournament 2023

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (3/16/23) – Playing Toy Story Mania Blindfolded, The Price is Right, & More! /2023/03/tonight-on-wdw-news-tonight-3-16-23-playing-toy-story-mania-blindfolded-the-price-is-right-more/ Thu, 16 Mar 2023 22:00:47 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=889601&preview=true&preview_id=889601 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, another edition of Man vs. Park where we ride Toy Story Mania blindfolded, WDWNT: The Price is Right, and more! Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is ... Read more

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, another edition of Man vs. Park where we ride Toy Story Mania blindfolded, WDWNT: The Price is Right, and more!

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • Man vs. Park – Toy Story Mania Blindfold Challenge
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • WDWNT: The Price is Right – EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival Edition
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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TONIGHT on WDW News TOONight (3/9/23) – Celebrate 30 Years of Toontown with Former Imagineer Jim Shull, Liquid Magic, Murder Mystery Game, and More! /2023/03/tonight-on-wdw-news-toonight-3-9-23-celebrate-30-years-of-toontown-with-former-imagineer-jim-shull-liquid-magic-murder-mystery-game-and-more/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 23:30:00 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=886421&preview=true&preview_id=886421 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, an interview with former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull, A Toontown Murder Mystery, Liquid Magic, and more! Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program ... Read more

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, an interview with former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull, A Toontown Murder Mystery, Liquid Magic, and more!

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • Interview with former Disney Imagineer Jim Shull on the creation of Mickey’s Toontown
  • A Toontown Murder Mystery Game
  • Liquid Magic – Creating Toontown Themed Cocktails
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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Why The Return of Bruce Vaughn to Walt Disney Imagineering Is The Best Disney News of the Last Few Years /2023/03/return-bruce-vaughn-walt-disney-imagineering-wdi/ /2023/03/return-bruce-vaughn-walt-disney-imagineering-wdi/#comments Wed, 08 Mar 2023 01:56:49 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=884928 As we emerge from the dark ages of the Bob Chapek era, where we watched the failed executive try to run Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products and eventually the entire company as CEO, there are certain moments that make it clear that Disney is likely on the right track to recovery. For me, the greatest ... Read more

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As we emerge from the dark ages of the Bob Chapek era, where we watched the failed executive try to run Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products and eventually the entire company as CEO, there are certain moments that make it clear that Disney is likely on the right track to recovery. For me, the greatest sign of that commitment to right the ship is a culture change at Walt Disney Imagineering that begins with the return of Bruce Vaughn.

In the years after Bob Iger became CEO of The Walt Disney Company following Michael Eisner (you know, the first time), it was clear that many of the Disney theme parks around the world needed to be revamped, and embarking on such changes would require a significant investment. During those years, Bruce Vaughn led WDI as Chief Creative Executive and oversaw many positively received offerings that helped to correct creative mistakes, such as Cars Land and Buena Vista Street at Disney California Adventure, as well as Mystic Manor and Grizzly Gulch at Hong Kong Disneyland.

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Other projects from that era include the Disney Dream and the Disney Fantasy cruise ships for Disney Cruise Line, New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom, and eventually, Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It can easily be argued that the years when Vaughn was an executive were the high point in the organization’s incredible history, or that it was, at the very least, one of the greatest eras of Imagineering.

Any fan will tell you that the Disney Parks around the world flourished during this period, and the art form experienced a real renaissance, at least until it was derailed by executives who didn’t understand the company they had inherited. Lackluster projects crippled by budget cuts and forced IP infusion became the norm, such as the shade-barren Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the rushed and disjointed Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure, and a Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that lacked any of the aliens, droids, and interactivity guests were originally promised.

Star Wars Galaxy Edge DWorld North 20171213

Coming off of the last few years, where Imagineers experienced mass furloughs and layoffs and lost many important creative battles to deliver quality products, the return of someone with such longevity within the organization can only be seen as a positive.

Some Imagineers have voiced opinions to WDWNT that they felt like the company did not want “Disney people” working in WDI and that the Walt Disney Company was going out of its way to morph the organization through different hiring practices. A sign of these changes was the addition of Barbara Bouza in 2020. Bouza previously served as Co-Managing Director and Principal at the Los Angeles-based Gensler, a global architecture, engineering, and design firm, before joining Disney, eventually being named president of Walt Disney Imagineering. Her hiring signaled a change in the way business would be done as the company seemed to switch to a budget-centric approach.

Following the departure of Bob Chapek, Disney seems to be working quickly on restoring their commitment to creativity. Recent changes have swung the pendulum back to the artistry required of such a company, and the return of Vaughn is certainly a big step in that process. Perhaps, Disney management better understands the importance of creativity and realizes its best path forward cannot rely solely on an executive that lacks decades of creative experience in the realm of themed entertainment. Vaughn’s return marks the start of a welcome restructuring for Walt Disney Imagineering.

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The co-leadership between Bruce Vaughn and Barbara Bouza probably does a lot to placate everyone within The Walt Disney Company. Many of the creatives within Imagineering were reportedly excited to hear of Vaughn’s return today, and surely many Disney executives will be pleased that someone like Bouza can bring experience on the delivery and budgeting of such large projects. It does seem that the duo could bring some much needed balance to the division, at least on paper.

The internal memo sent to Imagineers today by Josh D’Amaro stresses that “creativity is the heart and soul of who we are and what we do at Disney.” As Disney fans, whether we simply consume the product or work to create it, we surely believe these words, and a move like bringing back Bruce Vaughn does something to convince us that maybe Disney management does believe what they say. I remain optimistic that the quality, the care, and the creativity I have come to love and admire from the Disney theme parks may very well be restored in the near future.

Now, we just need Disney to increase those Florida cast member wages…

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (3/2/23) – March Madness 2023 Wild Card Round: Best Food Item at Walt Disney World, Road Trip to Wrestling, Trivia, and More! /2023/03/tonight-on-wdw-news-tonight-3-2-23-march-madness-2023-wild-card-round-best-food-item-at-walt-disney-world-road-trip-to-wrestling-trivia-and-more/ Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:45 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=881827&preview=true&preview_id=881827 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, picking the 64 food items for the 2023 March Madness tournament, and our road trip to a professional wrestling show. Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is ... Read more

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, picking the 64 food items for the 2023 March Madness tournament, and our road trip to a professional wrestling show.

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • WDWNT March Madness 2023 Wild Card – Picking the 64 Best Food Items at Walt Disney World
  • WDW News Tonight Road Trip – ROH Wrestling Taping at Universal Orlando Resort
  • Who Wants to Win a Lot of Corbucks?
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/23/23) – Ranking Every Bar at Walt Disney World, Randy Newman Attraction Game, Dating Game Update, & More! /2023/02/tonight-on-wdw-news-tonight-2-23-23-ranking-every-bar-at-walt-disney-world-randy-newman-attraction-game-dating-game-update-more/ Fri, 24 Feb 2023 01:29:12 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=875593&preview=true&preview_id=875593 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, a ranking of every bar at Walt Disney World, and more! Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, ... Read more

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, a ranking of every bar at Walt Disney World, and more!

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • Leveled: Every Single Bar at Walt Disney World
  • “It’s The Ride of Your Life with Randy Newman”
  • WDWNT: The Dating Game Update
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/23/23) – Ranking Every Bar at Walt Disney World, Randy Newman Attraction Game, Dating Game Update, & More! appeared first on WDW News Today.

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‘Cast Members Are the Magic’ — A Plea for Walt Disney World to Practice What They Preach /2023/02/cast-members-are-the-magic-a-plea-for-walt-disney-world/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 01:02:47 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=873983 By now, you’re likely well aware of the ongoing negotiations (and at times lack thereof) between Walt Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, which represents more than 45,000 Cast Members. Even after Universal Orlando Resort announced an increase of their base pay to $17 per hour with additional raises coming to current Team Members, Disney ... Read more

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By now, you’re likely well aware of the ongoing negotiations (and at times lack thereof) between Walt Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, which represents more than 45,000 Cast Members. Even after Universal Orlando Resort announced an increase of their base pay to $17 per hour with additional raises coming to current Team Members, Disney remains in a bitter battle with the union as current base pay continues to sit at $15 per hour.

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Negotiations over the contract, which expired in October but has remained in force during negotiation, focused primarily on wages, healthcare, and retirement, where Disney offered a pay rise of $1 as their “best offer” to Cast Members with plans to raise wages a further $1 per year annually until reaching $20. STCU is asking for $18 per hour now, and a plan to eventually raise this to $20 per hour. Cast Members asking for a larger, more immediate raise also cite financial distress that won’t be solved by long-term incremental increases. Early this month, 96% of 14,263 ballots cast by Cast Members voted to reject Disney’s “best and final offer,” leading the union and Disney back to the negotiating table.

Service Trades Council Union leaders cancelled Thursday’s planned negotiations with Walt Disney World following their refusal to add “even one cent” to their previous wage proposal and removal of proposed retroactive pay for many Cast Members, which was once again presented then. This brings us to the stalemate that remains today.

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We are not so far removed from the jubilation from Bob Chapek’s removal as CEO of The Walt Disney Company. I vividly recall the joy and happiness, but most importantly the widespread optimism of many Cast Members in The Walt Disney Company at that moment in time. It certainly felt like the dark days were behind us, and a new age of appreciation for storytelling, quality, the guest experience, and, most importantly, the Cast was on the horizon. While there have certainly been a number of positive changes in the short time since Bob Iger returned, we now have arrived at an uncomfortable moment in this tale.

Post-COVID, I can not think of a media event, presentation, social media appearance, or interview where executives such as Iger, Josh D’Amaro, and Jeff Vahle have not taken time to celebrate their Cast Members. They never seem to miss an opportunity to remind employees of what they mean to the company, or at least an opportunity to just say that for appearances. The ongoing negotiations between Walt Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union show a great disparity between what is said and what is actually important to Disney.

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In an age where so much of the Disney Parks are still woefully understaffed, why would you go seemingly out of your way to not entice people to work for your company? Why would you demoralize your existing staff with a very public and well-documented wage dispute in front of the world? You told us that your Cast Members are the most important part of your magic, how are they not worth a few extra dollars when they work in the most profitable arm of your most profitable division?

What Disney seems to not realize is the less you make your Cast Members care, the less enjoyable the experience is going to be for guests. It’s all connected. If a Cast Member doesn’t feel valued at their job, they are, in most cases, going to try not as hard at it. What astonishes me, and what I am most grateful for, is that there are so many Cast Members, who despite this continual disrespect from their management, show up every single day with a smile on and make the most incredible memories and moments for guests like me. Even though the people they make so much money for mistreat them, and so publicly in this case, they still are there believing in what Walt Disney and his dedicated creative teams gave the world and fighting for its survival.

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I, like these Cast Members, want to believe it is not too late to save the soul of The Walt Disney Company, but if this dispute is going to continue down its current route, then maybe the Disney brand we fell in love with is already dead. We want to believe that someone, anyone with any power in Disney will do what is right and stand up for the Cast Members and allow the union and Walt Disney World to reach a reasonable agreement that helps lift these magic makers above the poverty line. This is not a big ask, this is simply requesting a living wage for your employees and nothing more.

Walt Disney World, it’s time to practice what you preach. It’s time to stop your public relations department from trying to bury this story, to stop trying to smother us with feel-good Cast Member tales on the Disney Parks Blog, to stop with the merchandise discounts as a settlement when your people can’t even afford to put food on their table. Do what’s right for your Cast Members, and in turn what is right for your guests and the future of Disney. Invest in that future instead of fighting for a few dollars before you lose what magic is left.

You can hear more of our thoughts on this issue in the above YouTube video.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

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TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/16/23) – Top 7 Best & Worst of Walt Disney World’s 50th, The Match Game, & More! /2023/02/tonight-on-wdw-news-tonight-2-16-23/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 01:00:00 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=872581&preview=true&preview_id=872581 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, WDWNT: The Match Game, The Top 7, and more! Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending ... Read more

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, WDWNT: The Match Game, The Top 7, and more!

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • The Top 7: Best and Worst Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary Offerings
  • WDWNT: The Match Game
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/16/23) – Top 7 Best & Worst of Walt Disney World’s 50th, The Match Game, & More! appeared first on WDW News Today.

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BREAKING: Universal Orlando Resort Starting Wage Moving to $17 Per Hour, Providing Raises to Existing Team Members /2023/02/breaking-universal-orlando-resort-starting-wage-moving-to-17-per-hour-providing-raises-to-existing-team-members/ /2023/02/breaking-universal-orlando-resort-starting-wage-moving-to-17-per-hour-providing-raises-to-existing-team-members/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:26:41 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=871416 Universal Orlando Resort has just announced to Team Members that they are raising starting wages to $17 per hour effective June 4, 2023. In addition, many Team Members will receive an increase based on the new rates and their time with the company. Here is the full letter with those details and more that was ... Read more

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Universal Orlando Resort has just announced to Team Members that they are raising starting wages to $17 per hour effective June 4, 2023. In addition, many Team Members will receive an increase based on the new rates and their time with the company.

Here is the full letter with those details and more that was just provided to Team Members:

Dear Team Members,

We have so much to look forward to in 2023 as we celebrate the exciting Mardi Gras season and gear up for the summer opening of our new Minion Land at Universal Studios Florida. You all are the spark that brings our brand and stories to life, and I could not be prouder to work alongside you. I always walk away from my time visiting with you feeling energized and inspired to continue to build upon our strong Team Member first culture.

We deeply believe in our mission to provide an inclusive environment where our Team Members are proud to work and we remain committed to that focus. Therefore, we continually evaluate our compensation, perks, and benefits programs and why we are committed to engaging with and listening to you. We truly believe TSAT is more than just a survey; it is your voice that helps us build a better Universal experience.

Wage increases and more benefits

To that end, effective June 4, 2023, we are not only increasing our starting base rate to $17 per hour, but we are increasing many of our starting rates across the business. In addition, many Team Members will receive an increase based on the new rates and their time with the company. More details about how this individually impacts Team Members will be shared in the coming weeks.

Wages are just one part of Team Member satisfaction and because of your direct feedback, we have also elevated our 401K match and tuition reimbursement programs, added compassion leave, doubled our parental leave, enhanced family planning benefits, launched the new applause recognition program, and changed Team Member comp ticket availability from block-out calendar to capacity managed based on park attendance.

Enhancing our work environment

We are also focused on elevating the work environment and have begun upgrading break areas, back of house restrooms, and have exciting plans for Team Member dining that we will share shortly. But it doesn’t stop there, our culture seeks to create a path forward that supports our Team Members, gives them an opportunity to grow and fosters a real sense of purpose and belonging.

In just a few weeks, I will be bringing leaders together to kick off the year and talk about our priorities – one of which involves making every day EPIC in preparation for the opening of Epic Universe. I am excited to share this with you and I want to again thank you for everything you do to help us successfully deliver extraordinary Guest experiences.
I am excited about our bright future!

Karen Irwin
President & COO
Universal Orlando Resort

For more Universal Studios news from around the world, follow Universal Parks News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news, visit WDWNT.

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MVP Patrick Mahomes Is Going to Disneyland Following Super Bowl LVII Victory, Parade Info Released /2023/02/mvp-patrick-mahomes-is-going-to-disneyland-following-super-bowl-lvii-victory-parade-info-released/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 04:49:59 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=870463&preview=true&preview_id=870463 Following a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs MVP Patrick Mahomes is heading to Disneyland. Tonight’s Super Bowl LVII took place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The winning team is often celebrated at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park with a small parade and a visit from the MVP ... Read more

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Following a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs MVP Patrick Mahomes is heading to Disneyland. Tonight’s Super Bowl LVII took place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Mahomes Super Bowl MVP Parade

The winning team is often celebrated at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park with a small parade and a visit from the MVP (though sometimes more than one player visits). Chiefs fans will now get to see one of their favorite stars in a colorful and high-energy cavalcade through Disneyland park. If you plan on being in the park on Monday, make sure you join the celebration on the parade route from “it’s a small world” all the way down to Main Street, U.S.A., at 1:30 p.m. PT.

Watch as make the classic proclamation, “I’m going to Disneyland,” in the video below.

Did you see Disney’s TV spots during Super Bowl LVI? Check them out below.

Are you happy to see going to Disney to celebrate? Let us know in the comments.

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post MVP Patrick Mahomes Is Going to Disneyland Following Super Bowl LVII Victory, Parade Info Released appeared first on WDW News Today.

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Steve Martin Connects Pepsi Super Bowl Ad to Comic Roots at Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe /2023/02/steve-martin-connects-pepsi-super-bowl-ad-to-comic-roots-at-disneylands-golden-horseshoe/ Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:46:51 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=870455 While Disney Parks today (minus Shanghai Disney Resort) serve Coca-Cola products, Disneyland not only used to serve Pepsi, but had several attractions sponsored by the corporation. Over the years, that list included “it’s a small world” at the New York World’s Fair, The Country Bear Jamboree on both coasts, and Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe Saloon. Comedy ... Read more

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While Disney Parks today (minus Shanghai Disney Resort) serve Coca-Cola products, Disneyland not only used to serve Pepsi, but had several attractions sponsored by the corporation. Over the years, that list included “it’s a small world” at the New York World’s Fair, The Country Bear Jamboree on both coasts, and Disneyland’s Golden Horseshoe Saloon.

Comedy legend Steve Martin has claimed many times that the first live comedian he ever saw was Disney Legend Wally Boag at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon in Frontierland at Disneyland. Tonight, Martin took to Twitter to talk about the presence of Pepsi at the beginning of his career and now.

Steve Martin also worked in the Main Street Magic Shop in his younger days, which eventually led to Disney inviting Martin back to host the “Disneyland: The First 50 Magical Years” film at the Opera House in 2005, the same year he was made a Disney Legend.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.

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TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/9/23) – Disney Dating Game, Not-So-NewlyWED Game, Rejected Disney Parks Valentines, & More! /2023/02/news-tonight-valentines-day-2023/ Thu, 09 Feb 2023 23:32:23 +0000 https://wdwnt.com/?p=869269&preview=true&preview_id=869269 Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, WDWNT: The Dating Game, The Not-So-NewlyWED Game, and more on our annual Valentine’s Day special! Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that ... Read more

The post TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/9/23) – Disney Dating Game, Not-So-NewlyWED Game, Rejected Disney Parks Valentines, & More! appeared first on WDW News Today.

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Tonight, don’t miss the internet’s only comedy show about Disney Parks! Join us at 9 p.m. ET for a recap of the latest news, WDWNT: The Dating Game, The Not-So-NewlyWED Game, and more on our annual Valentine’s Day special!

Hosted by Tom Corless and Nick LoCicero, WDW News Tonight is a live, weekly program that combines the latest headlines, comedy, trending vacation topics, games, and in-depth discussions to bring Disney fans a one-of-a-kind show covering the Disney Parks.

The show can be watched live on the WDWNT TV YouTube channel. Live studio audience tickets are available at WDWNewsTonight.com.

Coming up on this week’s show:

  • A recap of the latest Disney Parks news (with a WDWNT comedic twist)
  • WDWNT: The Dating Game
  • The Not-So-NewlyWED Game
  • Rejected Disney Parks Valentines
  • The Wonderful World of Psychotic Comments
  • And more!

We hope that you will tune in tonight at 9 p.m. ET for WDW News Tonight!

If you missed our last show, you can watch it here:

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram.

The post TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (2/9/23) – Disney Dating Game, Not-So-NewlyWED Game, Rejected Disney Parks Valentines, & More! appeared first on WDW News Today.

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