It’s been ages since we’ve finished a Walt Disney International information roundup, however there are a couple of tales that stuck my eye and I figured are price sharing in consolidated shape. This covers Disney’s inspiring dedication to conservation, palace intrigue about Bob Iger’s CEO succession making plans, new shops at Disney Springs, menu additions at DHS, and marvel information about Figment going international and making his first look within the world parks.
Let’s get started with Walt Disney International’s contemporary animal achievements. We don’t usually quilt conservation subjects, however it feels like lovers may use a few feel-good tales after a coarse week of value will increase, Lightning Lane Premier Cross, and different money grabs.
Walt Disney International not too long ago shared that Animal Kingdom is proudly a part of the most important initiative to save lots of the Guam kingfisher, a hen declared extinct within the wild again in 1988. As a part of its Disney Planet Imaginable dedication to strengthen a more healthy planet for other folks and flora and fauna, and after years of collaboration and preparation, two Guam kingfishers had been launched and are actually being monitored within the wild on Palmyra Atoll — a far off island south of Hawaii — the most important step for the way forward for this species.
With the invasive brown tree snake inflicting issues on Guam’s flora and fauna, the U.S. Fish and Flora and fauna Provider (USFWS) has introduced an outstanding conservation plan, and Disney is one in every of 9 organizations main the rate. The 2 Guam kingfishers, often referred to as sihek, that had been launched into the wild had been reared at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Palmyra Atoll is a key far off web site for reintroducing those birds to an acceptable habitat. This marks a vital step ahead, because it’s the primary time in just about 40 years that the birds might be making a comeback to the wild.
One among Animal Kingdom’s veterinarians has been finding out the Guam kingfisher for greater than twenty years, collecting crucial data to assist deliver this hen again to the forests of Guam. This collaborative effort with USFWS, The Nature Conservancy, and different globally known organizations showcases Disney’s determination to conservation past its theme parks. You’ll be able to learn and spot extra footage of the Guam kingfisher’s comeback on Disney Attach.
In a while ahead of this, Walt Disney International introduced the delivery of child boy Bakso, the most recent Sumatran tiger cub at Animal Kingdom! Bakso is just one month outdated and is already incomes his stripes via appearing his playfulness and interest, whilst mother Sohni spends a lot of her time appearing him quite a lot of love and affection.
Bakso represents an ideal contribution to a declining tiger inhabitants, with not up to 600 Sumatran tigers left within the wild and controlled care. Bakso additionally serves as a beacon of hope for the way forward for this severely endangered species and to all of those that maintain those tigers.
Those large cats are regarded as an “umbrella species.” In technical phrases, conservation efforts to keep those tigers will lengthen to different species inside their habitat offering quilt to different key organisms and dwelling issues around the ecosystem.
The usage of complicated generation, endocrinologists at Animal Kingdom had been ready to watch the well being of Sohni’s being pregnant up till the delivery. From widespread blood assessments to weekly ultrasounds, professional veterinarians ensured that each Bakso and Sohni had been satisfied and wholesome. Perfect of all, Sohni’s keepers monitored her conduct and effectively educated her to voluntarily take part in her personal care
Like several Sumatran tiger cubs, Bakso will want his mom’s care till he’s round 18-24 months outdated. So the excellent news is that visitors will be capable to see child develop along mother after they’re each in a position to enroll in Maharajah Jungle Trek in a couple of months.
For my part, I like tales like this. They’re a pleasing reminder of the nice that Disney does, how there are extremely gifted and passionate Solid Individuals who attempt to make a distinction, and that Animal Kingdom in reality is greater than a theme park. I will’t wait to peer Child Bakso, and I do know any other child who loves cats (albeit of the family selection) who will like to make the acquaintance of this Sumatran tiger cub!
In nearly the exact opposite finish of the Disney information spectrum, the Wrap is reporting that, in line with a person with wisdom of present Disney CEO Bob Iger’s considering, the race for his successor is narrowing on an government from Disney’s ingenious ranks. This implies the co-chairs of Disney Leisure, Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, have the early lead. The document signifies that Walden is “obviously” within the main place, and issues out that she can be Disney’s first feminine CEO within the corporate’s 101-year historical past.
The document additionally signifies that former executives Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer don’t seem to be noticed as succession applicants for the highest process, even after the duo returned to Disney remaining 12 months as experts with Candle Media (considered an acquisition goal for Disney). Iger has often mentioned that his successor would wish to be any person steeped in Disney’s ingenious and storytelling basis.
Only one week in the past, we presented statement about succession making plans in Bob Iger’s Substitute as New Disney CEO Will Be Introduced in 2026, so I’m no longer going to rehash that every one right here. Up to this matter and the encompassing palace intrigue fascinates me, I’ve gotten the impact that 95% of readers don’t care.
Suffice to mention, I don’t know sufficient about Walden or Bergman to have an opinion on them, however I will’t say I’m particularly shocked that the successor would come from the studio aspect. I’d simply actually want any person from Parks & Motels. What I actually hate is when business and industry journals act like Bob Chapek was once a ‘parks man’ and tapping any other to be CEO can be repeating that very same mistake. Chapek was once a shopper merchandise man! He become head of Parks & Motels, certain, however that was once by no means his factor till the stint there ahead of changing into CEO.
Switching gears, Hawaiian islands-inspired shoes emblem, OluKai, is ready to open a brand new store at Walt Disney International, taking on the previous Sanuk location in Disney Springs. (Oh yeah, in different information, Sanuk closed completely a pair months in the past after a decade.)
The storefront is situated in The Touchdown segment of Disney Springs. This might be OluKai’s first retailer in Florida, and best their 3rd out of doors of Hawaii, after a few places opened in Southern California fairly not too long ago.
Talking of Disney Springs, Pura Vida opened a storefront there previous this month. Opposite to a few misconceptions (specifically mine), Pura Vida isn’t a water corporate. It’s a way of life emblem identified for home made bracelets, equipment, and that kind of stuff. After all, Pura Vida is situated within the The town Middle of Disney Springs, taking on the storefront in the past occupied via Melissa Footwear, close to Anthropologie.
In different sneakers information, Brooks Working is now the reliable operating shoe of runDisney. Brooks and Disney have entered into a brand new multi-year collaboration that can come with Brooks growing Disney-themed trainers.
Because the reliable operating shoe for runDisney, Brooks will be offering sneakers and supply reliable race shirts at runDisney race weekends beginning with an upcoming 2025 runDisney race. On the similar time, Brooks will create Disney-themed trainers that includes common Disney characters. Beginning in 2026, Brooks will design Brooks jackets for Membership runDisney participants.
Although I haven’t any intentions of doing any other runDisney race anytime quickly, I’m oddly occupied with this. Brooks has turn into my go-to shoe, and I’m a sucker for the ingenious designs they produce. It’s more than likely an enormous quantity of wishful considering, however I’d love to peer a Christmas collaboration (Brooks already does ‘unpleasant’ Christmas sneakers which can be superb) between Brooks and Disney.
Talking of which, each Brooks and OluKai make our listing of the Perfect Footwear for Walt Disney International.
In lodge information, Disney Parks simply introduced by means of Instagram that the Haunted Mansion soundscape is now to be had on “Good day Disney!” units in all Walt Disney International lodge rooms.
I like this information, even supposing it’s a few month too overdue for me to experience this all through my Halloween season remains. As I shared in a contemporary reassessment of “Good day Disney!” at Walt Disney International, the soundscapes are a ways and away my favourite characteristic and feature given me a brand new appreciation of the much-maligned instrument.
Whilst I’m certain this Haunted Mansion soundscape is superb, what I’d actually love is extra being there choices like the 2 present ‘within the park’ choices. The ones are unbelievable–extremely calming and transportive.
In meals information, Walt Disney International introduced the addition of recent menu pieces at Hollywood Studios, all of which are actually to be had:
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Eating place:
- Beamed-Up Burger with Fries: Two-pressed signature-blend patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, jalapeño-bourbon-bacon jam, and house-made burger sauce on a brioche bun
- Top Rib Sandwich: Toasted hoagie roll full of shaved top rib, provolone cheese, residence made gardienare, arugula, and a facet of au jus
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano:
- Mama’s Pasta with Shrimp: 3-cheese sauce, sauteed kale, cavatappi, roasted butternut squash, and wild mushroom
- Tuscan White Bean Purée: Roasted garlic and eggplant, contemporary herbs, and chili oil (plant-based)
- Braised Wagyu Pork on Orecchiette: Pink wine-braised wagyu red meat, dried cherries, and red peppercorn
That is the second one spherical of menu additions at Mama Melrose this 12 months, and via maximum accounts, the refresh has been well-received. We haven’t had a possibility to check out Mama Melrose’s new dishes but and, truthfully, it’s no longer precisely prime precedence. There are such a large amount of well-themed and nostalgic spots we adore at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Mama Melrose simply isn’t one in every of them for us.
As for Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Eating place, even assuming the perfect about those additions, extra remains to be wanted. We completely love Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Eating place, however it’s nonetheless caught in phased reopening mode with a restricted burger/sandwich best menu. It’d be great to peer the pastas, steaks, and different mid-tier pieces go back. The Salmon BLT coming round again wouldn’t harm, both.
In spite of everything, a 5 alarm FIGMENT ALERT. Above is a video shared on social media…via Shanghai Disneyland.
Right here’s the caption: “Figment alert!
Figment merchandise are actually to be had at Shanghai Disney Lodge! Come and experience scrumptious treats with this adorable spouse via your aspect. With only a faucet away in your telephone, let this lovely red dragon “soften” your center along with his impossible to resist cuteness!”
Now, you would possibly not suppose it’s noteworthy that Figment has flown the world over and is now showing at Shanghai Disneyland. Possibly it’s simply overstock products from EPCOT. This wouldn’t be the primary time that’s came about, albeit within the different course, with Shanghai sending over a ton of unsold ‘grand opening’ products from the park a couple of years again (and vastly marking up costs within the procedure).
We’ve noticed this film ahead of, despite the fact that.
Even though maximum repeatedly related to Tokyo DisneySea, this can be a transfer immediately out of the ‘Duffy Playbook’ used for Disney’s different world parks and Aulani. As Duffy’s circle of buddies expanded within the overdue 2010s, Disney began introducing the characters at Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Aulani Lodge in Hawaii.
This was once lengthy after the characters made appearances at Walt Disney International and Disneyland, together with an enormous vending push. That had lengthy been deserted and Tokyo Disney Lodge had revitalized passion in Duffy and buddies via this level, particularly a number of the Eastern–however Disney lovers around the globe additionally an increasing number of took understand.
The advent of Duffy and buddies on the world inns, particularly the ones in Asia and Aulani, was once in part aimed toward locals and in part at Eastern vacationers. Hong Kong Disneyland, specifically, were suffering. Products sat on cabinets. It was once sudden simply how sharp of a distinction this was once to Tokyo Disney Lodge, although we seen the HKDL products as actually nice. After all, Duffy and buddies modified all of that. The little endure has been a vending system–and grown into much more than that–for Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Seeking to check whether or not that can paintings once more is most probably why Figment goes international and ‘randomly’ has products at Shanghai Disneyland. It’s more than likely no longer random in any respect–it’s to peer if Disney can paintings vending magic once more with any other unique persona.
I don’t fake to have any insights as as to whether this may paintings. Shanghai Disneyland has turn into a blind spot for me, and the level to which it’s cultivated sufficient of a neighborhood Disney fanbase this is an expert about Figment is unclear. Perhaps he’ll be embraced for his international enchantment and cuteness, or possibly Figment will flop. I do not know. I think it’s no longer the similar as uploading Duffy, which got here with a integrated Asian fanbase. Not like that, I’m guessing diehard EPCOT Middle lovers gained’t be reserving journeys to China.
Nonetheless, my greatest hope is that this can be a huge good fortune, and Figment is a fan-favorite of Chinese language visitors. That he will get new and unique product strains, and that Shanghai Disney Lodge makes an attempt what Walt Disney International has declined to do: revitalize the nature. And I say this as any person and not using a plans to discuss with mainland China once more anytime quickly, so it’s no longer like I’d for my part be capable to experience any of this.
My motivations are however egocentric, despite the fact that, in order that we’re transparent. If Figment proves fruitful in Shanghai, he’ll more than likely finally end up in Hong Kong and most likely Paris. Perhaps Tokyo Disney Lodge and Aulani after that. And we will be able to discuss with all of the ones puts. The extra a success Figment is, the much more likely it’s that he finally ends up with a meet & greet, level display, or in all probability one thing much more bold in a type of puts. I see what HKDL has finished with Duffy, and it’s arguably the vacation spot for that circle of relatives of characters now.
Whilst I don’t need Figment’s new house base to be a park in Asia, France, or Hawaii, at this level I’m open to the rest that will increase his recognition and visibility. If there have been any justice on the planet, we might’ve had Adventure into Creativeness 4.0 a complete decade in the past. As a substitute, Disney simply printed its 5-year plan for Walt Disney International, and there’s completely not anything within the playing cards for Figment (or a lot in any respect in EPCOT, for that subject).
From my point of view, this can be a mistake. I’m no longer going to rehash why this is once more, however suffice to mention, it simply is sensible to reimagine Adventure into Creativeness. (Learn that for my complete pitch.)
In the long run, my point of view in this is kind of the similar it’s been with all the different little Figment issues during the last a number of years. If Figment’s recognition endures, that’s just a nice factor for his longevity and long term possibilities. Even with Within Out 2 doing gangbusters on the field place of job, I think the new vending good fortune has ‘stored’ Figment’s position within the Creativeness pavilion.
If the world parks can building up Figment’s international recognition or deliver one thing substantively new to the desk, I’m inquisitive about it. Hong Kong Disneyland is already house to a Adventure into Creativeness non secular successor of types in Mystic Manor–in all probability that park may finally end up being the only to construct Adventure into Creativeness 4.0. It kind of feels not going, however it additionally appeared not going that Walt Disney International would sit down on its palms see you later with the fan-favorite persona. Stranger issues have came about.
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Your Ideas
What do you bring to mind the subjects lined on this Walt Disney International information roundup? Do you want to peer extra condensed information articles or recaps like this? Ideas on Animal Kingdom’s conservation successes? The corporate’s succession making plans? Figment going international, or anything? Do you settle or disagree with our exams? Any questions we will be able to permit you to solution? Listening to your comments–even while you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please proportion your ideas under within the feedback!
