The story of YouTube personality Ruby Franke’s distressing and disgusting history of child abuse is being given the 20/20 treatment. What’s Happening: A new episode of 20/20, airing tonight, follows a high profile case of child abuse in clear public view. Ruby Franke had decent success thanks to her social media accounts and YouTube channel “8 […]
The post New “20/20” Follows High Profile YouTuber Ruby Franke’s Child Abuse Case appeared first on .
In a statement to DealBook, former CEO of The Walt Disney Company Michael Eisner expressed his support for current CEO Bob Iger and Disney executives amid proxy fights with Trian Partners and Blackwells Capital for Board of Directors seats.
Michael Eisner was CEO from 1984 to 2005. When internal and shareholder support of Eisner waned significantly, he retired and Bob Iger took over the position of CEO.
Read Eisner’s statement below.
In 1983, Disney was under attack by corporate raiders trying to take over the company. That would have ended the Disney Company as we know it, for the studio, theme parks, and hotels were suggested to be sold off. The board turned to me and Frank Wells, and a different story was written, one that was continued by Bob Iger and his executive team.
Today, a similar situation exists, so let’s remember the lessons from 40 years ago. Bringing in someone who doesn’t have experience in the company or the industry to disrupt Bob and his eventual successor is playing not only with fire but earthquakes and hurricanes as well. The company is now in excellent hands and Disney shareholders should vote for the Disney slate.
Eisner previously supported Iger when the latter returned to the CEO position in 2022, taking over from Bob Chapek after a short retirement.
Disney has also received support from proxy advisory firm Glass Lewis, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, former Imagineer Bob Weis, and the grandchildren of Walt and Roy Disney.
Proxy advisory firm ISS expressed support for Nelson Peltz of Trian. Peltz is vying for a Board seat for himself and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo, although ISS recommended against Rasulo’s election.
Shareholder votes for Disney’s Board of Directors will be tallied during the April 3, 2024, meeting.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Supports Bob Iger in Board Proxy Fights, Says Disrupting Iger is ‘Playing With Fire’ appeared first on WDW News Today.
ABC and National Geographic will be watching the Eclipse Across America this April. What’s Happening: ABC News and National Geographic have announced an unprecedented live event following the rare total solar eclipse as it makes its way across North America. Eclipse Across America will follow the last total solar eclipse in the US until 2044. The event will […]
The post ABC News and National Geographic Announce “Eclipse Across America” Live Event appeared first on .
Nine months after the Tom Sawyer Island barrel bridge was removed, it has returned to Magic Kingdom, although is not yet open to guests.
The barrel bridge was removed in July 2023, possibly for refurbishment. When comparing our photos of the bridge taken on Friday to photos taken before the refurbishment, it looked like the nets around the bridge may have been cleaned or replaced.
There are two sections of the barrel bridge. A stationary platform in the water connects the sections. While the bridge was gone, the platform remained.
Construction walls still block the two entrances to the bridge. It looks like rope railings that usually run above the nets have not all been reinstalled or are not pulled taut. Compare to our photo of the bridge below from April 2021.
The bridge was previously removed for a major refurbishment of Tom Sawyer Island in 2020. It was reinstalled in April 2021 and reopened in May 2021.
When the Tom Sawyer Island barrel bridge is open, guests walk on wood planks attached to floating barrels, making for a wobbly experience. The whole island is currently open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post PHOTOS: Tom Sawyer Island Barrel Bridge Returns 9 Months After Removal appeared first on WDW News Today.
“We are almost there” literally at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. After weeks of attraction vehicle testing, Disney now updates guests with new signage. This is a great sign for the opening …
The post New Update for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Testing appeared first on KennythePirate.com.
Star Wars Celebration Japan has released a gorgeous new poster for the 2025 event. What’s Happening: Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025, the first one in the country since 2008, has released the official key art for the event. Alongside the gorgeous new art is the announcement of ticket sales for the event. Tickets will go on […]
The post Star Wars Celebration Japan Releases Artwork and Ticket Information appeared first on .
The 30th annual Thea Awards were held on March 16, 2024 in Hollywood, California. This annual event hosted by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) celebrates the creative and talented people behind some of the best-themed experiences around the globe. From theme park attractions to experiential dining, the Theas recognize the best of the previous year.
TEA invited Universal Parks News Today out to the Thea Awards gala and it was an honor to attend. Listening to these creative and passionate people was inspiring and truly gives us an idea of what the future of theme parks can be.
There’s a lot on the horizon for Universal Destinations and Experiences. With Epic Universe and other projects in the works, Universal is ready to give guests what they want. Theme parks are more than just rides, though. The Thea Awards gives us a look at what can be achieved and what direction the themed entertainment industry is going. Guests are craving immersive experiences, from theme parks to shopping to dining.
One of the newest and most mysterious themed dining experiences to open lately is Eatrenalin. Think about combining a trackless ride vehicle with an eight-course dining experience. That’s exactly what you get from Eatrenalin, located by Europa-Park in Rust, Germany. This experiential dining attraction gives us a small look into what the future of theme park dining could be.
Imagine sitting in a chair that glides you from room to room as you dine on dishes inspired by your surroundings. Your chair is a ride vehicle, slowly moving you about the room as you dine and enjoy the immersive scenes around you. Each course is served in a room that compliments the dish, so your seats will take you from room to room through the experience. Trackless rides and dark rides are popular with guests, so why not take it up a notch by making it a fine dining experience?
Eatrenalin does not allow filming in most of the rooms, so there’s only a little bit of footage available. This helps keep things a surprise and encourages guests to be in the moment.
Eatrenalin is considering opening a location in the U.S., so you may not have to travel all the way to Germany to see what this new dining is all about. The idea of a dining experience that is part dark ride is something we’d love to see here!
As for shopping, times have changed as well. Malls and shops around the country are becoming empty as people turn to online shopping more and more. What was once a popular spot for everyone to hang out has almost become a ghost town. How do you get people to come to a physical store to shop? You create themed experiences! Give people a reason to visit, just like the AURA: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky. AURA, located in Haikou, China, took home a Thea Award for Immersive Mall Experience.
This shopping experience features an immersive light show that encompasses a 360-degree soundscape. Riding the elevator is like riding through an intricate art installation. Sculptures, projections, and a 29-meter-tall LED screen create a beautiful environment. AURA: The Forest at the Edge of the Sky is bringing the mall experience back for a new generation.
An immersive shopping experience doesn’t have to be as massive as AURA, though. A Thea award was given to the Disney “Encanto” X CAMP team for outstanding achievement for a retail experience on a limited budget.
CAMP created the world’s first Disney “Encanto” experience where guests can visit Casita! CAMP’s Disney “Encanto” experience is interactive with music and surprises all around, transporting guests to Antonio’s rainforest, Isabela’s floral wonderland, and more. The team brings Casita to life for guests to enjoy and offers a variety of Disney “Encanto” merchandise by CAMP. Shopping is more than just buying merchandise for today’s guests.
Universal Orlando Resort has embraced this concept over the last few years, with elaborate “Tribute Stores” that change their theme every few months. Souvenirs have become more than just merchandise; they’re tangible memories. Shopping online is so convenient, but there’s a big difference between buying a souvenir on your vacation versus ordering the same items a week later at home. Immersive, engaging shopping experiences are what make an item a true souvenir from your vacation.
Themed entertainment is not limited to theme parks, but they are a major part of it. This year, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind was recognized for best attraction. For our readers, this ride probably doesn’t need an introduction, but this is the indoor roller coaster located in EPCOT at Walt Disney World. What sets this ride apart from other indoor coasters is its innovative ride system. The way the cars rotate creates a different sensation than most coasters. The way the vehicles move, paired with one of six different songs, makes this an unforgettable ride.
Universal Epic Universe is currently testing a coaster with rotating vehicles in the Dark Universe section of the park. A Fast and Furious roller coaster is being built at Universal Studios Hollywood that will also be able to make 360-degree turns. Attractions don’t have to be roller coasters to be impressive, though.
Universal claims that Epic Universe will be the “most technologically advanced park” when it opens next year. One attraction that has officially been announced is the Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park. This is no ordinary carousel, though. Constellation Carousel is made up of celestial creatures and as it goes around, each one turns 360 degrees, making you feel like you’re riding on constellations through the Milky Way. This is a great example of taking a theme park classic, like a carousel, and giving it an update for the next generation.
Technology has come a long way and theme parks are always looking to show off the latest advancements. Augmented reality (AR) creates a new way to immerse guests in their surroundings and can be seen in experiences like Colored (Noire). HoloLens 2 goggles, a headset, and a small backpack are used to transport you back to the 1950s using AR. Colored (Noire) was recognized for using AR to create this incredible extended reality exhibit.
AR technology has already started to show up at the Universal parks, both through testing in the Universal Orlando app last year and in the brand new Mario Kart attraction in Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood and Japan. AR binoculars can also be found in Super Nintendo World, adding video game characters throughout the land.
The Geneva Journey multimedia drone show won an award for live spectacular. Geneva Journey was performed May 18-20, 2023 at Geneva Harbor, in Switzerland. Billed as the largest drone show in Europe to date, this live spectacular featured 1,400 programmed light drones, 11 heavy carrier drones, and 400 light drones equipped with pyrotechnic sky effects.
Geneva Journey set a new standard for drone shows with a combination of technical and creative elements. Drone shows have started to become more common, especially at the theme parks. Several Disney Parks have drone shows and Universal Studios Hollywood uses drones as well. Recently, Universal Studios Florida has been spotted testing drones over the park. Drones provide a new way to create nighttime spectaculars for audiences around the world.
Theme parks are a source of joy and an escape from the outside world for many. One thing that has not changed over the years is guests’ desire to be immersed in the stories they love. The TEA knows what guests want and the talented people in this industry work incredibly hard to deliver. There’s no denying that the theme park industry is thriving, thanks to the many teams who bring these experiences to life.
The Thea Awards are just part of several days of events that bring together members of the themed entertainment industry. Intending to inspire those individuals, the TEA helps connect creators from around the globe. The 2024 Thea Awards Recipients deserve to be celebrated, not only by their peers, but by all theme park fans. Take a look at the 30th Annual Thea Awards Recipients on TEA’s site and read more about the experiences and the teams behind them.
And if you want to save the date for the 2025 Thea Awards, mark your calendars for March 15, 2025. The event will take place in Universal City, California.
What do you think about the future of theme parks and the desire for more immersive experiences? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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.
The post What’s Coming to Your Favorite Theme Park? Highlights from the 30th Annual Thea Awards appeared first on WDW News Today.
Star Wars fans can relish in the stories of the Clone Wars era and grow their lightsaber collection with two incredible hilts that just landed at Disney Store. Anakin Skywalker and Cal Kestis (Jedi: Fallen Order game) are the latest characters to be honored with replica lightsaber hits and these impressive display pieces won’t be around for […]
The post Use the Force to Acquire Anakin Skywalker’s, Cal Kestis’ Lightsaber Hilts from Disney Store! appeared first on .
