Well, this was A WEEK for big Disney news — and yes, there were quite a few surprises.
While we were busy monitoring the incoming holiday crowds in Disney World, a lot of other things were happening, including a major shake-up behind the scenes. So let’s look at the five biggest Disney news stories of the week.
Bob Iger Replaces Bob Chapek
So the biggest news of the week is no secret because it very nearly broke the Internet: Bob Chapek stepped down as CEO of the Walt Disney Company and former Ceo Bob Iger returned as CEO. Iger will serve as CEO of the company for the next two years.
As a result of the announcement, Disney stock prices began to rise again as everyone waits for Iger to reveal his vision for the company moving forward. The news itself was the TALK of social media as many welcomed Iger back into the company’s leadership role.
Immediately after the leadership switch, the company announced that Kareem Daniel, the Chairperson of the Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution division, would also be leaving the company.
Bob Chapek Stepping Down As Disney CEO, Bob Iger Returns to Position
Genie+ Hits Highest Price in Disney World
Over in Disney World, the holiday crowds are starting to arrive. Now that Disney Genie+ has flexible pricing — meaning its price is based on demand — we’ve officially seen the highest price for the service yet. Genie+ reached $29 per day per person this week!
Previously, the highest we’ve ever seen is $22 per person per day. We’ll keep monitoring it over the holidays to see if that price goes up even more.
Genie+ Hits Highest Price Yet at $29 in Disney World
First Discount For Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
We’ve seen the first discount EVER for the Star Wars hotel/experience, aka Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser. Disney Vacation Club members can now save on select voyages on the Halcyon in 2023. The offer gives 30% off of Points Charts values for the 2-night experience and can either be booked with points or a combination of points and cash.
The 2023 dates available include: January 11th-13th, January 17th-19th, 2023, January 19th-21st, 2023, January 21st-23rd, 2023, January 25th-27th, 2023, January 31st–February 2nd, 2023, February 12th-14th, 2023, February 28th-March 2nd, 2023, and March 2nd-4th, 2023.
Disney Just Dropped the FIRST Discount for the Star Wars Hotel
Disneyland News
Over on the West Coast, we got some news about upcoming events at Disneyland. First, we have the dates for the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival: March 3rd to April 25th, 2023. During that time Soarin’ Over California will return to the park!
We also now have the dates for the Lunar New Year Celebration in Disney California Adventure: Â January 20th to February 15th, 2023.
NEWS: Disney Announces DATES for Lunar New Year Celebration
Strange World in Theaters Now
Disney’s newest animated film is now in theaters! Strange World follows a family of legendary explorers searching for treasure and has some pretty big names as its voice cast, including Jake Gyllenhaal, Gabrielle Union, and Dennis Quaid. Tickets are available at theaters across the U.S. right now!
The movie had a preview day earlier this week, and box office numbers were low after that, at $800,000, according to Variety. Predictions before the release had it taking in between $30 million to $40 million over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, though, so we’ll have to see if it reaches those numbers.
Disney’s Newest Animated Movie is in Theaters
If you want to keep up with ALL the Disney news, be sure to check back with us often — we cover everything! You can also follow us on social media for all the latest! We’re on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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What was your reaction when Disney announced the news about its CEO? Let us know in the comments!
Strange World bombed this weekend as it only took in $18 million over the long, 5 day weekend. Variety reporting the film stands to lose $100 million.
Happy Iger is back & Chapek is gone!!