In this episode we welcome back Disney Historian, and Author Jim Korkis to discuss some Disneyland extinct attractions, and more. Jim is a wonderful author who is very knowledgeable about the Disney company and we always love talking with him hope you will enjoy this discussion, plus the latest in the Disneyland resort Current Events
Disneyland Resort Current Event
***BREAKING NEWS***
Due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Corona) Virus, ALL Disney Parks, Cruise Lines, and Disney Vacation Club Resorts will be closed until further notice:
Disney is over whelmed with people attempting to rebook / cancel so please be patient with them. They are modifying their cancelation policy to accommodate guests. Many booking services can be handled online (links above). They are reportedly going to extend AP's by one month.
Please be sure to follow CDC and your State's guidelines during this crisis. We will get through this.
Shanghai Disneyland Resort has announced May 11, 2020 as their reopening date.
Walt Disney World Resort has announced May 20, 2020 as the phased opening of Disney Springs. No date yet for the rest of the resort.
Disneyland Resort has not announced any openings, but has updated their announcement to include warning about potential restrictions that will be in place when they do.
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has no updates.
Disneyland Paris Resort has no updates, but does have great information if you have already booked a trip.
Disney Cruise Lines - Disney Cruise line through June 18, 2020; Disney Magic Sailing through July 2, 2020: Vancouver Sailing until the end of June 2020.
INFORMATION CORRECT AS OF MAY 9, 2020.
Disneyland construction crews return for limited ‘essential work’ during coronavirus closure
The limited construction marks the first step toward ramping up work at the Disneyland resort as Disney prepares for the eventual reopening of its Anaheim theme parks.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: May 7, 2020
"Disney construction crews have returned to resume limited “essential work” on Avengers Campus and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway while the Anaheim theme parks remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic."
...
"The limited construction marks the first signs of progress at the Disneyland resort as Disney prepares for the eventual reopening of its Anaheim theme parks.
"The skeleton crews will be weather protecting the Avengers Campus project at Disney California Adventure and receiving steel deliveries for the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway dark ride at Disneyland. The work crews at the Anaheim parks will include some Disneyland employees, Walt Disney Imagineering staffers and third-party contractors."
...
"Work has not resumed on the Haunted Mansion, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, King Arthur Carrousel and Disneyland hub refurbishment projects that were underway before the closure of the parks, according to Disney officials.
"The previously announced July 18 opening date for the new Avengers Campus themed land coming to Disney California Adventure has been delayed, according to Disney officials."
Orange County Register
Disneyland resort hotels push back reservations until July
New reservations for the Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel are currently available for travel dates on July 1 and later, according to the Disneyland website.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: May 6, 2020
"Disney announced earlier this week that the Shanghai Disneyland theme park would be reopening on Monday, May 11 after a 107-day closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"If Disneyland and Disney California Adventure remained closed for 107 days amid the coronavirus outbreak the parks would reopen on June 30. Disney has not announced a reopening date for its theme parks in California and Florida."
Orange County Register
Disney sets Shanghai Disneyland reopening date as theme parks take $1 billion hit
The Shanghai Disneyland theme park will reopen on May 11.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: May 5, 2020
"New Disney CEO Bob Chapek and Executive Chairman Bob Iger outlined the company’s financial troubles on Tuesday, May 5, during the first earnings report since the coronavirus crisis hit the United States."
...
"Disney’s theme park division took a $1 billion hit in operating income in the second quarter due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Revenue declined $628 million for the quarter for Disney’s Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products division. Disney has paused $900 million in construction and refurbishment projects at its theme parks as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
"Attendance and visitor spending at Disney’s U.S. parks had been higher prior to the closure of the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendance at Disney’s U.S. theme parks was down 11% during the quarter."
Orange County Register
Disney theme parks face $21 billion coronavirus loss through 2022, analysts warn
To put that mind-boggling loss into perspective, that’s enough to pay for Shanghai Disneyland four times over.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: May 4, 2020
"An analyst report from research firm MoffettNathanson paints a grim picture of the financial impact of shuttering Disney theme parks in Anaheim, Florida and around the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic."
...
"In aggregate over the next three years, the new MoffetNathanson analyst report forecasts that Disney’s overall theme park revenues could be $21.7 billion below 2019 fiscal year levels.
"To put that mind-boggling loss into perspective, that’s enough to pay for Shanghai Disneyland four times over. Disney’s $5.5 billion Chinese theme park resort opened in 2016." ...
"Disney’s U.S. theme park attendance dropped 9% in the post-9/11 recession and didn’t return to peak levels until 2005, according to the report. Following the 2008-09 economic downturn, Disney’s U.S. hotel revenue didn’t return to pre-recession levels for three years, according to the report."
Orange County Register
Disneyland and other theme parks can’t reopen for months under state plan
California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Department of Public Health director Dr. Sonia Angell laid out a four-stage road map for reopening California’s economy.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: April 28, 2020
"Disneyland and other California theme parks currently closed by the COVID-19 pandemic can’t reopen for months, possibly until an as-yet-undeveloped coronavirus treatment becomes available, according to state government officials.
"California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Department of Public Health director Dr. Sonia Angell laid out a four-stage road map for reopening California’s economy during a livestream presentation on Tuesday, April 28."
...
"Newsom did not explicitly mention theme parks in his four-stage plan. Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott’s Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and other theme parks in the state would appear to fall into Stage 4 — the last phase of the plan. It’s possible some California theme parks could fall into the earlier Stage 3 if they adopt substantial operational changes that promote social distancing and other health and safety measures."
Orange County Register
Marvel Quinjet is visible at Disney’s Avengers Campus
The full-sized Avengers Quinjet — partially covered by a tarp — can be seen tucked into a backstage area next to the Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout attraction.
By Brady MacDonald
PUBLISHED: April 28, 2020
"The Quinjet aircraft that will be the centerpiece of the new Marvel Avengers Campus has been spotted backstage at Disney California Adventure in aerial photos taken while the Anaheim theme park remains closed amid the coronavirus outbreak.
"The full-sized Avengers Quinjet — partially covered by a tarp — can be seen tucked into a backstage area next to the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout attraction..." ...
"The Avengers Headquarters building will serve as the entrance to a first-of-its-kind Quinjet E-ticket attraction planned for a second phase of the new land that is expected to be built on a parking lot behind Mission Breakout. Riders will fly to Wakanda aboard a Quinjet during the new Avengers attraction."
Orange County Register
Disneyland Update Gets High – Above the Parks & When They Could Reopen
By Dusty Sage
April 27, 2020
"The Disneyland Resort has been under lock and key for over a month now, and we are missing it so much that we’ve taken to the air! We lead off today’s update with helicopter views of Disneyland sent to us by a new friend. The shots show some of the best views of Avengers Campus yet, including a peek at the Quinjet hiding backstage. Plus, construction updates, and a glimpse of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. "
MiceChat
Disneyland Update! Bright Suns At Last
By Dusty Sage
May 4, 2020"Happy Star Wars Day, everyone! Today’s Disneyland Update examines the reopening of the theme parks, which may not be so very far, far, away. . . and it all starts with a chicken. Stick with me, it will all make sense in a moment. Whether you think it’s too soon or too far away, this disturbance in the Force is leading toward change . . ."
You can listen to show 284 on iTunes or go to Libsyn service here.
Show Notes for Episode 284
More Extinct Disneyland Attractions with Jim Korkis
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