Bob Chapek replaced by Robert Iger as Disney CEO

The Walt Disney Company has announced that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.

Walt Mickey Magic Kingdom

“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”

“Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide—all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,” Arnold said.

The position of Chairman of the Board remains unchanged, with Arnold serving in that capacity. Continue reading →

Christmas Town at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Busch Gardens Christmas Town returns as the longest holiday celebration in the Tampa Bay area offering brand new experiences to celebrate the holidays and create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
 
 
Christmas Town joyfully bundles millions of twinkling lights, uplifting shows, iconic holiday light displays, culinary delights and award-winning attractions such Iron Gwazi every day from November 14 through to January 9. Running for 57 consecutive days, the beloved event is included with park admission.
 
Some of the all-new activities that make this year’s Christmas Town its biggest celebration yet include: 
 
  • New! Holiday in the Sky – The evening sky comes to life with a colourful display of festive fireworks while an added spectacular water fountain show dances to the rhythm of a reimagined soundtrack with classic holiday tunes. Holiday in the Sky will take place on the Festival Field on select event nights.  
  • New! A mesmerising and enchanting musical light and projection show will adorn the Serengeti Overlook building. Guests will not want to miss this spectacle, which will run daily every 15 minutes starting at 6 p.m. 
  • New! Christmas with the Celts – A wonderful combination of Christmas Carols and Irish dance will captivate guests with the spirited and energetic entertainment of Christmas with the Celts. The renowned group of vocalists, musicians and dancers will perform live at Stanleyville Theater’s stage Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from December 16 through to December 25.
  • New! Land of the Sweets – At this sweet winter wonderland, guests will find the Sugar Plum ballerina stilt walker and her Cavalier soldier, the newest characters to join the Sugar Plum Princess in her magnificent new realm. 
  • New! Right in the heart of Jungala, guests will be in awe with a new 32-foot-tall Christmas tree surrounded by a red and white winter wonderland. 

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SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebration

SeaWorld Orlando’s award-winning Christmas Celebration is returning this year and it’s bigger and better than ever. Guests will be able to join friends and family at SeaWorld Orlando on select dates from November 11 through to January 3 for a memorable holiday experience.
 
 
Visitors will see the theme park transformed into a winter wonderland sparkling with more than 3 million beautiful lights and the addition of NEW holiday experiences at Wild Artic Plaza during the event. The main feature of the magical festival is the Sea of Trees – a guest favourite. The wintery, watery wonderland is back immersing guests in a sea of twinkling holiday trees that sparkle to music as they light up the water. Dazzling images come to life on more than 100 trees, including a giant glistening centerpiece that towers 70 feet above the water. During the celebration, guests will also be able to indulge in ALL-NEW delicious holiday treats, experience fabulous holiday shows and entertainment and watch an impressive NEW holiday firework show. 

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Discovery Cove Orlando Expands All-inclusive Dining Options.

Discovery Cove® today announced its expanded all-inclusive dining options with the addition of the Blue Bamboo Bar and Hibiscus Hideaway, two new food and beverage venues now open at the one-of-a-kind day resort in Orlando.



In addition to buffet-style breakfast and gourmet lunch at the resort’s Laguna Grill, and endless snacks and drinks throughout the park, guests can now stop by the Blue Bamboo Bar and Hibiscus Hideaway to feed the fun with flatbread pizza, as well as multiple tasty snack and dessert options – all included with each admission. The themed dining outlets also feature unique seating options, a selfie-ready mural backdrop, and seven new signature drinks which are available for purchase.

Adjacent to the resort’s fan favourite Sunken Terrace, the Blue Bamboo Bar uses mixed metals, a brilliant palette of indigo hues, and towering thickets of exotic tropical blue bamboo (bambusa chungii) to create a fun, island-style tiki bar vibe. Guests can hang out on the playful swing seats, take a selfie in front of the “Paradise Found” Blue Bamboo wall, and pick up unlimited “grab-and-go” snacks throughout the day, including chocolate chip cookies, soft pretzels, crisps and more. The bartenders are also serving up refreshing new signature drinks available for purchase including – Blue Bamboo, Blueberry Splash, Serenity Bay and the Aloha Sunrise.

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Fantasmic Returns To Disney Hollywood Studios 3rd November 2022

Fantasmic returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on 3rd November. Back and better than ever, the larger-than-life, open-air nighttime musical will boast the live performers, stunning effects, rousing music and dazzling pyrotechnics you know and love – complete with a brand-new show sequence! 

The new heroes sequence features a high-energy Aladdin chase with stunts never before seen on the “Fantasmic!” stage, a powerful scene with Elsa set to the song “Show Yourself” that is sure to thaw the most frozen of hearts, and stirring moments with Pocahontas, Moana and Mulan.

Beginning Oct. 26, “Fantasmic!” dining packages for select restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available for performances Nov. 30 and beyond.