Disney Cruise Line Reveals Details On Disney Destiny a New Ship That Will Set Sail in 2025

Disney Cruise Line revealed the first details about its next ship, the Disney Destiny, as it reached a new construction milestone with a keel laying ceremony, and here’s what you need to know. The Ship The Disney Destiny is a sister ship to the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure, and its design theme will be… Read More »Disney Cruise Line Reveals Details On Disney Destiny a New Ship That Will Set Sail in 2025

The post Disney Cruise Line Reveals Details On Disney Destiny a New Ship That Will Set Sail in 2025 appeared first on The Disney Blog.

Extinct Attractions – Jedi Training Academy

Welcome to Extinct Attractions. This week, I’ll be starting a short series about one of the quintessential experiences for children at the Disney Parks. This past Tuesday, Disney dropped the trailer for The Acolyte, the newest Star Wars television series. Granted, I am a huge Star Wars fan, but I am very much looking forward […]

The post Extinct Attractions – Jedi Training Academy appeared first on .

Proxy Advisory Firm ISS Supports Nelson Peltz in Fight for Disney Board Seat

Influential proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) recommends The Walt Disney Company shareholders vote for Nelson Peltz to join the Disney Board of Directors.

ISS Supports Nelson Peltz for Disney Board

Bob Iger in front of The Walt Disney Company sign. Proxy advisory firm ISS recommends that shareholders vote for Peltz.
Current Disney CEO Bob Iger

In a report released on Thursday, ISS states Disney has “failed” in creating a succession plan for the CEO position. Current-and-former Disney CEO Bob Iger originally chose Bob Chapek as his successor. But after barely over two years in the position, the Disney Board of Directors fired Chapek and Iger returned. Iger signed a two-year contract in late 2022. In July 2023, the Disney Board of Directors announced that Iger’s CEO contract was extended through 2026.

According to a recent report, four executives are in the running for the CEO position: Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Dana Walden; Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, Josh D’Amaro; Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, Alan Bergman; and Chairman of ESPN and Sports Content, Jimmy Pitaro.

“Dissident nominee Peltz, as a significant shareholder, could be additive to the succession process, providing assurance to other investors that the board is properly engaged this time around,” ISS stated, adding that Peltz, with his “considerable experience on other boards and fiduciary duties owed to a large shareholding group, appears best positioned to bring a shareholder perspective to the board.”

ISS went on to say that some investors “have likely drawn comfort from Iger’s return, given the major missteps and severe consequences of the failed 2020 succession, particularly for a company that already had a history of succession drama, it may be difficult for others to simply trust that the board, albeit refreshed, will get it right this time. These shareholders may be concerned about post-Iger [Disney]. Our analysis favors this latter view.”

Nelson Peltz and Jason Rasulo
Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo

Peltz is CEO of Trian Partners and has also nominated former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo. Although ISS supports Peltz, they do not recommend shareholders vote for Rasulo.

“Though we do not have any concerns about his ability to serve as an objective director, we recognize that Rasulo’s potential presence might create added friction on the board,” ISS said.

ISS also advised against shareholders voting for Blackwells Capital’s three nominees.

Disney has nominated their 12 current directors. ISS suggested shareholders do not re-elect Maria Elena Lagomasino.

Disney chairman Mark Parker responded in a statement:

[W]e strongly believe that ISS reached the wrong conclusion in its recent report when it comes to adding Nelson Peltz to the board. In contrast to Glass Lewis, ISS fails to acknowledge the breadth of perspective and expertise Ms. Lagomasino adds to the board. The strong recent performance and results overseen by the Disney board demonstrate our focus on long-term shareholder value creation and succession planning and our commitment to good governance practices.

Glass Lewis, a different proxy advisory company, supports Disney’s Board nominees.

Disney also referenced Ike Perlmutter’s involvement with Trian in their statement. Perlmutter handed control of his Disney shares to Trian, giving them significantly more power.

“In its report,” Disney states, “ISS agrees that Perlmutter’s involvement is ‘an unfortunate distraction’ and that he ‘may cast a baleful shadow over the board’ if Peltz is elected.”

This dynamic is relevant to assessing the Trian Group’s nominees, as Mr. Perlmutter has a fraught history and longstanding personal agenda against Disney’s CEO, Robert A. Iger, which would likely inhibit Nelson Peltz from working constructively with Disney’s Board, threatening the company’s continued turnaround.

Other CEOs Support Nelson Peltz

Trian also shared a letter from various other executives supporting Peltz on the website RestoreTheMagic.com.

As directors who have worked with Nelson Peltz at some of the world’s most respected companies, we are writing to convey our experience with Nelson in the boardroom and to encourage you to work with him for the benefit of all shareholders.

Some of us, like you, were skeptical about Nelson and were initially opposed to the notion of having him on our boards. Some of us worried that he might derail the successful execution of our strategy.

However, after having worked with Nelson, we know that our concerns were misplaced. The companies for which we served as board members alongside Nelson were improved because of his presence on the board.

The undersigned executives are from The Home Depot, Procter & Gamble, PPG Industries, Corus Entertainment, Janus Henderson Group, Wendy’s, Heinz, and more.

Disney’s supporters include the JPMorgan Chase CEO, “Star Wars” creator George Lucas, former Imagineer Bob Weis, and the grandchildren of Walt and Roy Disney.

Shareholder votes will be tallied during Disney’s 2024 annual meeting on April 3.

Source: Variety

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

The post Proxy Advisory Firm ISS Supports Nelson Peltz in Fight for Disney Board Seat appeared first on WDW News Today.

Darth Vader, Hayden Christensen and Disney Consumer Products Take Over The Empire State Building for “March to May the 4th”

Tonight, March 21 at 8 PM, the Empire State Building will shine in a dynamic light show as part of a Star Wars-themed takeover at the building to celebrate the “March to May the 4th” campaign, in collaboration with Disney Consumer Products and Lucasfilm. Darth Vader himself, Hayden Christensen visited the iconic tower earlier kicked […]

The post Darth Vader, Hayden Christensen and Disney Consumer Products Take Over The Empire State Building for “March to May the 4th” appeared first on .

Disney Responds To ISS Recommendation That Shareholders Vote For Nelson Peltz In Upcoming Proxy Vote

Earlier today, International Shareholder Services recommended that Disney Shareholders vote for Nelson Peltz in the upcoming Proxy Vote, with Disney issuing a response shortly thereafter. What’s Happening: Proxy-advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services has issued The Walt Disney Company a bit of a setback when they recommended that shareholders vote for Nelson Peltz and the Trian […]

The post Disney Responds To ISS Recommendation That Shareholders Vote For Nelson Peltz In Upcoming Proxy Vote appeared first on .

Universal Studios Releases Travel Sticker-Inspired Sticker Merchandise with E.T. Adventure, Jurassic World, and More

Universal Orlando Resort has a new merchandise collection featuring travel sticker designs representing different Universal Studios parks, lands, and attractions.

Universal Studios Travel Sticker Merchandise

The merchandise display for the new Universal Studios travel sticker-inspired collection

We found the new collection in the Universal Studios Store at Universal CityWalk Orlando.

Multi-Use Decal Sheet – $12

A reporter's hand holds up the multi-use decal sheet

The actual stickers are available as removable decals on this sheet. These are the large designs:

  • Hogwarts Castle and the Hogwarts Express represent Hogsmeade on a sticker reading, “Stay for a spell”
  • E.T. and his ship are on a “Phone Home” sticker
  • “Please don’t feed the dinosaurs” is around an image of Blue the velociraptor from “Jurassic World”
  • Optimus Prime says, “Autobots, roll out!”
  • Two Minions say “Bello!” in front of Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • King Kong and a tram are pictured on Skull Island, where guests can “Meet the natives” and “See the wildlife”
  • “Stay hydrated” at Universal’s Volcano Bay, represented by Krakatau
A close up of one of the smaller decals

The smaller designs include a turkey leg sticker reading, “Every day is leg day,” “Get your own!” with a churro, “Universal Studios,” and “Vacation Vibes Only.”

Folding Fan – $18

A reporter's hand holds a folding hand fan with the sticker images on it

This folding hand fan features the travel stickers printed on a blue background. The spokes of the fan are white plastic.

Mug – $22

A reporter's hand holding a mug

The stickers are pictured all over this blue mug. Some of the faux stickers have a three-dimensional design, as though they’re popping off the mug.

A close-up of the churro-inspired handle

The handle resembles a curved churro.

A reporter's hand shows the other side of the mug

It’s safe for the microwave and dishwasher.

A look at the pattern inside the mug.

The inside of the mug is white with a blue pattern of the sticker designs.

Backpack – $55

A reporter's hand holds a backpack featuring the new art

The backpack is dark blue. The front is mostly solid with the stickers pictured on the small zipper pocket. “Universal Studios” is on a patch near the top of the bag.

A close-up of the "Universal Studios" zipper pull

The small pocket also has a silicone “Universal Studios” zipper pull.

A reporter's hand holds the backpack, offering a side view.

The fabric around the top and sides of the bag is patterned all over with the sticker designs. There are slip mesh pockets on each side.

A reporter's hand holds the backpack, showing its straps.

“Universal Studios” is on the backpack straps. The back is solid blue.

Sling Backpack – $45

A reporter's hand holds up a sling backpack

The sling backpack is also mostly dark blue. The stickers are patterned across the front and the strap.

A reporter's hand shows the side of the sling backpack

It also has mesh pockets.

A reporter's hand shows the adjustable sling strap clip

The sling strap is adjustable. A plastic clip can be hooked on different loops to wear however you want. The back of the bag is black padded mesh. It also has a silicone “Universal Studios” zipper pull.

Lanyard Pouch – $10

A reporter's hand holds a lanyard pouch featuring the new art

The lanyard pouch is blue on the front with all the stickers pictured among stars. It has a lobster claw clip and a metal charm of the Universal Studios globe logo.

Lanyard – $14

A lanyard featuring the new art lays on a display unit.

The lanyard is white on one side and light blue on the other side. Both sides feature the same pattern of stickers and stars.

Patches – $13 each

A reporter's hand holds a Minions patch wrapped in plastic.

There is a patch for each sticker design.

A reporter's hand holds a Hogsmeade patch wrapped in plastic

They’re peel-and-stick or sew-on.

A reporter's hand holds a Skull Island patch wrapped in plastic

The patches come on blue backing cards with white stars and the Universal Studios Florida entrance archway.

A reporter's hand holds an E.T. patch, wrapped in plastic.

This patch features E.T. and his ship, with “Phone Home” in white thread.

A reporter's hand holds a Jurassic World patch, wrapped in plastic

The “Jurassic World” patch includes Blue the velociraptor, and reads, “Please don’t feed the dinosaurs.”

A reporter's hand holds a Universal Volcano Bay patch wrapped in plastic.

This patch says, “Stay hydrated” and “Universal’s Volcano Bay.” Universal Orlando Resort dropped the possessive from their park names last year, including for Volcano Bay.

Glass – $12

A reporter's hand holds a pint glass featuring the sticker art

The stickers are around the outside of this translucent glass.

Coasters – $18

A reporter's hand holds a packaged set of four coasters

This set includes four coasters. The backgrounds are all-over prints of the stickers. In the center of each coaster, one sticker is larger than the others.

A reporter's hand shows the other two coasters in the set

The featured images are the Jurassic Park, Minions, E.T., and Hogsmeade stickers.

Towel – $28

A blue towel featuring the travel sticker art hangs on a rack

The beach towel is blue. The stickers are printed large on one side.

A reporter's hand pulls the towel apart to show the art

The sticker art covers the front of the towel.

Blanket – $33

A reporter's hand holds the rolled blanket featuring the sticker art

The fleece blanket features a similar pattern as the towel but it’s a darker blue.

A reporter's hand shows the other side of the wrapped blanket

The blanket is 50 inches by 60 inches.

Youth Tee – $25

A youth T-shirt featuring the sticker art hangs on a rack

These dark blue shirts are acid-washed, so each shirt will be slightly unique. It has the stickers grouped together on the front.

Adult Tee – $30

An adult T-shirt featuring the same art hangs on a clothing rack

The adult and youth T-shirts have the same design.

Adult Tee – $30

Another adult T-shirt featuring blue and white tie-dye and the sticker art hangs on a rack

Another adult tee is white and light blue tie-dye. The stickers are pictured in blue, too. “Universal Studios” is in blue and yellow on the left breast.

Fitted Adult Tee – $30

A fitted coral adult T-shirt hangs on a rack

The fitted shirt is a reddish-pink color. The stickers are in full color on the chest.

Hoodie – $57

A blue and heather gray hoodie hangs on a rack

The pullover hoodie has a heather gray torso, blue sleeves, and a blue hood. It has a large front pocket.

A close-up of the "Universal Studios" chest hit on the hoodie

“Universal Studios” is on the left breast in light blue and yellow.

A photo of the back of the hoodie, featuring the sticker art

The stickers are pictured across the back in full color.

Reversible Bucket Hat – $30

A reporter holds a reversible bucket hat, featuring the sticker art

One side of this bucket hat is dark blue. The all-over print features the stickers repeating.

A reporter's hand holds the reversible bucket hat, showing the opposite side

The reverse side is a denim blue color with no pattern. A Universal Studios patch is on the front.

Socks – $20

A reporter's hand holds a pair of graphic socks featuring the sticker art

The socks are dark blue. The stickers are pictured all over them.

What do you think of this new travel-centric collection? Will you be heading out to CityWalk to pick any of these items up? Let us know 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 Universal Studios Releases Travel Sticker-Inspired Sticker Merchandise with E.T. Adventure, Jurassic World, and More appeared first on WDW News Today.

Photos / Video: SeaWorld Orlando Kicks Off SeaWorld’s 60th Anniversary with a Celebratory Event

60 years ago today, the very first SeaWorld opened its gates in San Diego, and this year, all SeaWorld parks are celebrating the momentous occasion. We were invited out to SeaWorld Orlando for the kickoff of the 60th anniversary celebration. 60th anniversary banners welcome guests to SeaWorld Orlando, featuring some of SeaWorld’s iconic logos over the […]

The post Photos / Video: SeaWorld Orlando Kicks Off SeaWorld’s 60th Anniversary with a Celebratory Event appeared first on .

Ana Ortiz Joins the Cast of the Disney+ Series “Goosebumps” for Season Two

Ana Ortiz has joined the cast of the Disney+ series Goosebumps for season two. What’s Happening: Ana Ortiz (Love, Victor) joins the brand-new cast of the Disney+ anthology series Goosebumps for season two. She portrays Jen, a dedicated police detective who remains rooted in her Brooklyn neighborhood after experiencing a tragic event that involved her friends in adolescence. […]

The post Ana Ortiz Joins the Cast of the Disney+ Series “Goosebumps” for Season Two appeared first on .