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Bob Chapek moves from Disney Stores to Disney Parks Chair

bob_chapek_twdc-chair-disney-parks-disWhen Tom Staggs was announced as Chief Operating Officer, it was mentioned he’d retain control of the Disney Parks division until a successor could be found. I think everyone had a 6 to 12 month timeline on that, but Disney can move fast when it wants to.

Effective today Bob Chapek has been named Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Chapek is a 22-year veteran of The Walt Disney Company, having served since 2011 as President of Disney Consumer Products, driving a technology-led transformation of the Company’s consumer products, retail and publishing operations. Prior to that he managed Disney’s Home Video/DVD division.

If this move seems familiar it’s because Disney already tried this once with moving Paul Pressler from President of the Disney Stores to Disneyland (and then Disney Parks). The implication that the parks are little more than giant Disney stores is clear. Paul and his successor Cynthia Harriss were never quite able to shake themselves of the rules of retail and took their eyes off the real important things at the theme parks. I have a few suggestions for Bob on how to avoid that fate at the end of this article.

It’s true that this could be a move to expand Bob’s horizons and groom him for additional responsibility within the company. The good news is that merchandise mix at the parks is one thing the parks are generally doing well (the Big Hero 6 mix was a failure, alas). I don’t know much about Bob, this could a perfect fit for him, and I hope it is, but history hasn’t been kind on similar moves.

“Under Bob’s leadership, Consumer Products has seen great success, focusing on brands and a franchise-driven strategy while launching new products and retail experiences that combine technological innovation and creativity,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said. “He is an experienced and versatile executive well-suited to lead Parks and Resorts into the future.”Read More »Bob Chapek moves from Disney Stores to Disney Parks Chair

Help preserve Walt Disney’s Birthplace and see history of animatronics

Garner Holt Productions, who creates some of the world’s finest animatronics, including many for Disney, is hosting a special “behind the scenes” event at the end of February to benefit the Walt Disney Birthplace projct. During this extremely rare opportunity to tour the Garner Holt… Read More »Help preserve Walt Disney’s Birthplace and see history of animatronics

Marvel’s Agent Carter Season Finale Preview

When your inaugural season is only 8 episodes long, you have to pack a lot into every episode. That’s certainly been true with Marvel’s Agent Carter. Peggy Carter has been at the center of every episode and we’ve been treated to some great action along… Read More »Marvel’s Agent Carter Season Finale Preview

Walt Disney Animation wins 2 Oscars

It was a good night for Walt Disney Animation Studios at the Oscars. The animated short “Feast” won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film! Accepting were Kristina Reed & Patrick Osborne. While “Big Hero 6” was awarded Best Animated Feature. Directors Don Hall… Read More »Walt Disney Animation wins 2 Oscars

Disneyland & Walt Disney World raise ticket prices

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As sure as the Earth goes round our sun, Disney’s US theme parks have raised their admission prices again.

As predicted the Walt Disney World one-day ticket price for the Magic Kingdom broke the $100 barrier increasing by $6 to $105. The other three Orlando parks – Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios – only rose $3 from $94 to $97. That’s $2 less than originally thought.

On the other coast, a one-day adult admission to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure will rise from $96 to $99. Prices for children ages 3 to 9 will rise from $90 to $93. A Premium annual pass with parking and no blackout dates will go up from $699 to $779. Almost a full day increase, but still a value if you go just 10 days a year.

I don’t really blame Disney. One of the big complaints I hear is crowds in the park. People were used to crowds during the busy season, but now it seems busy season all year long. Raising prices could help cap the crowds.

Read More »Disneyland & Walt Disney World raise ticket prices

Behind the Vintage Costumes of Marvel’s Agent Carter

Part of the appeal of Marvel’s Agent Carter is the post World War II retro vibe. From the cars to the costumes, it’s a visual feast for fans of that vintage look. Marvel has just released two videos that take us backstage with costume designer… Read More »Behind the Vintage Costumes of Marvel’s Agent Carter

Learn to draw: Tinker Bell

Tinker Bell is the sassy, pint-sized pixie with anger issues from Disney’s “Peter Pan.” She’s also a fan favorite and one the star of her own movie series. So what better way than to celebrate the upcoming DVD/Blu-Ray release of “Tinker Bell and the legend… Read More »Learn to draw: Tinker Bell

Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’ Movie Review

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Walt Disney Studios has carved out something of a niche for themselves with the feel good sports movie. “Miracle,” “The Rookie,” “Secretariat,” and last year’s “Million Dollar Arm” have all done well for the mouse. What’s great about each of these movies is that while the ending might be foreseeable, but they’ve never been formulaic. That’s doubly true with “McFarland, USA.” It’s based on a real story and has a fantastic emotional core.

It’s also a return to the sports genre that has served Kevin Costner so well over the years. In “McFarland, USA” Costner plays a down on his luck high school gym teacher and coach who sees in his students real potential for a winning Cross-Country Team. Of course, a small team from Central Valley of California is a big underdog against the well established schools, but through grit and determination, they manage to win.

But that’s just the barest of plots to hang a film upon. It’s the layer and layer of rich story and character development that make McFarland a great movie.

Director Niki Caro (North country, Whale Rider) makes the most of the Central Valley scenery and uses a gentle hand to get the most from the actors as well. Kevin Costner could practically sleepwalk through a sports move these days, but he doesn’t here. His portrayal of coach White has range and realism. He’s flawed, but can and does, learn.Read More »Disney’s ‘McFarland, USA’ Movie Review