May 1 is the silver anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With 25 years of history and decades of Hollywood icons to celebrate, you might expect a year long bash at the third gate to open at Walt Disney World. However, that’s not the way Disney… Read More »25th Anniversary Events Announced for Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1
Cast Members warm up as part of 2011 fitness training at Walt Disney World
A bit of good news for the cast of Disney’s domestic theme parks and their guests. The starting hourly wage of the entry level cast member could be rising to $10.00. According to a report in Bloomberg news, the 25% raise would roll out over two years. Last week, Disney made the offer to the Service Trade Council, a group of labor unions that represents almost half of Walt Disney World’s employees.
I see a couple of factors behind this offer. First, there is a nationwide push to raise the minimum wage to $10.10. Disney can show that companies can make this leap on their own by making this move now. Second, Disney has successfully recovered from the down economy and reported record profit last year; $6.6 billion is a lot of Disney dollars. Third, Disney has been investing a ton of money in capital improvements, they have to balance that with some concern for the personnel side of the ledger too.
Of course, there are concessions Disney wants from the unions in return. Switching from Pensions to 401(k) style retirement plans is one. I’m sure there are many others. But hey, that’s what collective bargaining is all about.
There’s one big reason for the offer that Bloomberg doesn’t mention, the Orlando labor market is once again becoming very competitive. In February of 2014 it dipped to 5.5% unemployment rate. That’s nearing the 4% that’s typically considered full-employment (everyone who wants to be working is). Wage inflation is one result of low unemployment, so Disney might be forced to raise wages, even if they weren’t negotiating a new contract with its employees.Read More »Disney Theme Park Entry Level Wages to Climb to $10 an Hour
Call it what you will a slinky bus, wiggle bus, caterpillar bus, accordion bus, or vestibule bus, the new articulated buses at Walt Disney World add a new dimension to travel around the resort. Disney even built a whole new loading and unloading area at… Read More »Inside Walt Disney World’s new Slinky Buses
A travel website has listed Walt Disney World as one of the 10 most disappointing destinations in the world: Paying $99 per day to be trapped in a park surrounded by other peoples’ children and fully grown adults who like Disney? No thanks. Even a… Read More »Is Walt Disney World one of the 10 most disappointing destinations in the world?
Inevitably, I release a construction update video and a day or two later, more walls come down around the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. It happened again, so yesterday I went back to get photos and video of the newly opened areas.
Operations training is well underway with many cast members on Day 3 of training. We could start seeing Cast Member previews and then soft openings next week some time, but no official word on that.
A few more photos below the jump in case you can’t watch the video.
Read More »New Track Revealed as More Walls Come Down Around Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
If you’ve ever met Steven Miller of Disney Park’s merchandise team, then you know what a honest, knowledgeable, and passionate guy he is. Steven has put together a great video highlighting some of the Magic Kingdom’s top selling souvenirs including a few must-have items for… Read More »What are your top Walt Disney World Souvenirs?
We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This week contractors were kept very busy working on the long list of little details that needed finishing around the attraction. From new welding on the track, to a wider emergency staircase, to a whole bunch more trees, Snow White’s Mountain has really changed character in just the last few weeks.
Meanwhile, testing has begun with actual people riding the roller coaster. The May 2nd grand opening will bring the newest family-style coaster and the final element of New Fantasyland. On board the attraction, guests will be treated to an exciting, musical ride into the mine “where a million diamonds shine” as the lovable world of Sleepy, Doc, Grumpy, Bashful, Sneezy, Happy and Dopey comes to life.
One feature will be first-of-its-kind ride vehicles mounted in cradle-like pivots that allow the vehicles to swing back and forth during the ride. Adding to the fun, the journey will be accompanied by beloved music from the Disney film classic. On their adventure, riders pass by animated figures of Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs and playful forest critters.
More details in our photo gallery below the jump:
Read More »Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Wrapping Up The Final Details of New Fantasyland
As announced in February, the Central Plaza, or Hub, at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is undergoing a major update. The finished version will have more of a park like setting, with ample walking space to navigate around parades and shows, more outdoor dining seating, plus special viewing areas for fireworks and more.
I took a walkabout of the hub area earlier this week and captured a little video to show the progress. Right now they’re concentrating on the section of the hub that is closest to Main Street, where the additional fireworks viewing areas will be. However, lots of little projects are underway around the hub. The video ends with a look at the Rose Garden as it blooms for one last season in its current form.
Can’t watch the video? I have selected photos below the jump in a gallery:
Read More »Magic Kingdom Central Plaza Improvement Project Update