Walt Disney World will celebrate Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month beginning September 15th with the return and extension of two entertainment offerings at EPCOT. What’s Happening: From September 15th to October 15th, Walt Disney World will celebrate Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month with a number of entertainment offerings, delicious food & beverage options and […]
Today saw the release of the 49th (and penultimate) issue in the current volume of Marvel Comics’ flagship Star Wars title, and below are my brief recap and thoughts on this installment. Star Wars (2020 #49 begins in “deep space,” where Princess Leia Organa has been pulled aboard a pirate starship captained by Commander Ellian Zahra, who […]
TikTok user Rylie Shaw shared a video about her recent experience at Disneyland now that she no longer qualifies for the Disability Access Service (DAS).
Guest With Narcolepsy Visits Disneyland
Narcolepsy is a disorder that causes chronic and overwhelming drowsiness. In the video (below), Shaw explains that when she previously used DAS, she was able to rest on benches and take naps between attractions.
Now, she has to wait in line for hours without anything to lean, sit, or lay on, which she says is “super draining” for someone with narcolepsy. She had to lean on people in her party when tired in a queue. She ultimately went to first aid to take a nap on one of their beds, which ended up cutting a lot into her regular park time. Though she was able to ride several rides, she still felt she missed out on a lot and left early. She showed herself in tears at home — the aftermath of the long day — and said she probably wouldn’t be back anytime soon.
Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort changed their Disability Access Service requirements earlier this summer, limiting the service to only guests with a “developmental disability like autism or similar disorder.” Disabled guests and allies have decried the changes, with the DAS Defenders group launching a petition, organizing events, and sending a mobile billboard to D23. Disabled guests have complained of rude Cast Members, being told to practice waiting in line, and more issues when denied DAS.
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The Good Doctor’s David Shore is heading to 20th Century Television with an all-new deal. What’s Happening: Another overall deal has been lined up with 20th Century Television, this time with David Shore. The creator of ABC’s The Good Doctor, David Shore, has set up a new three-year deal with 20th Television. As part of […]
After an already extended contract, the time is ticking for Bob Iger as CEO of the Walt Disney Company. Find out what big steps Disney made to help find his …
Disney fans were stunned back in 2022 when the CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Chapek, stepped down, only to be replaced by Bob Iger, who held the position before Chapek. Ever since Iger’s return, there’s been speculation about who will replace Iger when he (re)retires in 2026.
Recently, CEO Bob Iger spoke with Kelly Ripa in a podcast interview. During the interview, Iger stated he has one thing on his mind: finding a successor. Iger said, “I think it would be safe to assume that I think about [CEO succession] all the time.” He added, “It’s actually something that I’m obviously very focused on, not just because of the past, but because I’d like to retire again and I’d like to leave the company in great hands, and that is my intention and I’m now confident that not only will we do that, but we’ll do so on a timely basis that works for the company and hopefully works for me as well, but yes. It’s a huge priority,” per Variety.
It’s clear Iger means what he said. The Walt Disney Company just announced that the Board of Directors appointed Board member James P. Gorman to chair its Succession Planning Committee. As the name implies, this group is tasked with finding the next Disney CEO. Gorman previously joined the Disney board following his work at Morgan Stanley, where he oversaw the company’s succession process in 2024.
The addition of Gorman serving as the chair rounds out the board with three other members, including Mark G. Parker, Chairman of the Board, and directors Mary T. Barra and Calvin R. McDonald. Disney noted that “All members of the Committee have direct experience in CEO and senior leadership succession planning for Fortune 500 companies.”
Chairman of the Board, Mark G. Parker, stated, “James is a highly respected leader, and we’ve asked him to serve as the new Chair of the Succession Planning Committee given his deep succession planning experience and long-term strategic mentality.” Gorman added, “I look forward to working alongside Mark and my other fellow Committee members in advising the Board as we continue to press forward expeditiously with this work.”
Getty Images via The New York Times
The Board formed its special Succession Planning Committee back in January 2023. The Committee is dedicated to “a deliberate succession planning process, including evaluation of transition structures and organizational frameworks, and planning for potential impacts of succession decisions across the Company.” Disney explained that since the start of fiscal 2024, the Committee has met six times. At this time, Disney hasn’t publicly stated who is still in the running, though many have speculated that Kevin Mayer, Candle Media co-founder and close Iger adviser, could take on the role.
Disney hinted that “Internal candidates are going through a preparation process that includes mentorship from Disney CEO Robert A. Iger, external coaching, and engagement with all Board directors,” which could mean someone like Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment, Jimmy Pitaro, former ESPN president, Disney Parks chair Josh D’Amaro, or and Alan Bergman could be named CEO.
Magic Kingdom
For now, we’ll have to wait and see what the Committee decides. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Who would you like to see take over the role of CEO? Let us know in the comments!
Things are about to get spicy with Donald Duck later this week. What’s Happening: In a bit of inspired booking from “First We Feast”, Donald Duck has announced he will be the guest on this week’s episode of Hot Ones. Hosted by Sean Evans, Hot Ones has become one of the most popular talk shows of the […]
Disney Board member James Gorman has been selected as chair of Succession Planning Committee, a committee developed to find a successor to Bob Iger as CEO. What’s Happening: Gorman joined the Disney Board at the beginning of 2024, after recently overseeing the succession process at Morgan Stanley, where he serves as Executive Chairman following several […]
Today saw the release of the ninth issue in Phase III of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures from Dark Horse Comics, and below are my brief recap and thoughts on this installment. The High Republic Adventures (2023) #9 begins on the planet Eriadu, which in the previous issue was overtaken by the Nihil Stormwall, placing it […]
The Disney Lorcana Challenge is coming to the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel this weekend, and some of the festivities are set to be streamed on Twitch. What’s Happening: Back in March, dates and details were revealed for the Disney Lorcana Challenge, a competitive event traveling around the country this summer. On August 24th and 25th, the Challenge will […]