Disney Hollywood Studios at 30 and What Lies Ahead

by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 30, 2019

I admit it. Disney Hollywood Studios has long been my favorite park at Walt Disney World, to the bewilderment of some family members. So, I understand the act of celebrating the 30^thanniversary of Hollywood Studios on May 1^st.

When it opened on May 1, 1989, it was called Disney-MGM Studios, with Disney cutting a deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to use its logo and name. While the idea for the park had been in the works, it got fast tracked by then-CEO Michael Eisner with the announcement that Universal Studios Florida was going to be a thing. In fact, Disney-MGM Studios opened a year before Universal. The MGM deal came to an end in January 2008, with the park renamed Disney Hollywood Studios.

On May 1, 1989, the park only had two rides – The Great Movie Ride and the Studio Backlot Tour. However, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular opened in August of that year, and four months later came Star Tours. A couple of years later, Muppet-Vision 3D opened. 

But a big jump forward came in 1994, with Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, the new Sunset Boulevard, and reconstruction of the Theater of the Stars. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith arrived in 1999.

Other changes, of course, occurred. But the next major leap was the opening of Toy Story Land on June 30, 2018. That was the first step in a dramatic series of upcoming changes. Toy Story Land in fact was the largest expansion in Disney Hollywood Studios’ history. As Disney noted at the time: 

“After months of anticipation, guests can now enjoy everything Toy Story Land has to offer – on a daily basis! They can step into the land and explore the fun that Woody, Jessie and many other “Toy Story” friends are having in Andy’s backyard. Guests can glide along with Slinky aboard Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster Andy built from his Mega Coaster Play Kit that whisks guests high above and around a scattering of Andy’s favorite toys – including Wheezy and Rex. Families can take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, play their way through Toy Story Mania!, or stop to enjoy tasty snacks – like Raspberry Lunchbox Tarts and S’mores French Toast Sandwiches – at Woody’s Lunch Box.”

A new nighttime show, “Wonderful World of Animation,” opens on May 1, 2019. Disney describes it this way:

    This excitement-packed projection show will take you on an incredible journey through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation. 

    Watch in wonder as the façade of the Chinese Theatre is magically transformed—displaying this stirring tribute to animation. Behold spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, family, adventure, romance and friendship. Each theme is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films—like Sleeping Beauty, The Incredibles, Coco and many more.

    Of course, since we can never lose sight of the fact that it was all started with a mouse, the show fittingly begins and ends with the one-and-only Mickey.

And most anticipated is the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on August 29, 2019, with the “Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run” ride, to be followed later in the year by “Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.” No date has been set for the opening of the immersive Star Wars hotel.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be coming to Hollywood Studios in 2020 as well.

Also, on April 30, 2019, Disney announced that a new rodeo-themed table-service restaurant will be coming to Toy Story Land.

So, in a sense, the celebration of Disney Hollywood Studios turning 30 is not just about marking the past 30 years, but it’s also very much about the many attractions and events on the way. Indeed, it’s pretty clear that the best days for Hollywood Studios are in front of us. 

One way to join in the Disney Hollywood Studios celebration would be to tune in to the Disney livestream of the May 1^stcelebration, with Disney noting that “we’ll have an exciting ‘look ahead’ at some of the amazing experiences coming to the park as we transform Disney’s Hollywood Studios into a place where you can live your own adventures in your favorite stories.” The livestream can be found at 9:55 EST on Wednesday, May 1, “on the front page of the Disney Park Blog.”

Disney Hollywood Studios arguably stands at the center of the massive investment Disney is making in Walt Disney World, and at least in terms of this particular park, Disney is hitting on all thrusters.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story –published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

“Avengers: Endgame” by the Numbers

by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 29, 2019

Avengers: Endgame ranks as the superhero of superhero movies. (See the DisneyBizJournal spoiler-free review here.) In fact, at the box office, it could turn out to be the superhero of all movies. That’s what the numbers – indeed, pretty much all of the numbers – are telling us. 

Consider the following bits of data about the film:

• Avengers: Endgame is the 22^ndmovie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe stretching back to 2008.

• Topping an estimated $350 million, Endgame has set the record for opening weekend domestic (i.e., North America) box office.

• The international opening weekend box office estimate of roughly $860 million is another record for Endgame.

• Therefore, the grand total opening weekend estimate of more than $1.2 billion, again, is the all-time record.

• According to Deadline.com, Disney spent an estimated $475 million to make and market Endgame.

• The Observer.com reports: “With Endgame, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has now seen 12 of its 22 entries (so 54 percent of them) open to at least $100 million domestic, an unfathomable rate of blockbuster consistency. Additionally, Endgame is the fourth film of the MCU’s past five entries to cross $1 billion worldwide and its eighth overall. Thirty-six percent of MCU movies have grossed in the 10 digits, and when Endgame concludes its run, Disney will boast 12 of the 20 highest-grossing films of all time.”

• Over at Rottentomatoes.com, Avengers: Endgame has earned a 95% score among critics, and 92% among audiences.

• The latest tally from BoxOfficeMojo.com puts the total box office tally for all 22 MCU films at $19.8 billion ... and counting.

• TheWrap.com has noted that Endgame has broken 144 box office records, with the counting still proceeding.

Finally, Avatar was released in December 2009, and it earned $2.78 billion at the worldwide box office. In nominal dollars, that’s the record. Can Avengers: Endgame become the new number one? I think so in part because many people disliked the Avatar story but went to see it anyway for the breakthrough special effects. In contrast, the Avengers is a group of superheroes that most everyone can get behind, and Endgame is a great tale. I’m looking for Endgame to top $3 billion.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story –published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Top 5 Reasons “Avengers: Endgame” Earns 5 Stars (No Spoilers)

by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 28, 2019

DisneyBizJournal.com Movie Rating: 5 stars out of 5

DisneyBizJournal.com Box Office Rating:  $$$$ out of $$$$

Avengers: Endgame serves up an emotional wallop that more than justifies it blowing up opening weekend box office records.

At the box office, Endgame is expected to rake in more than $350 million at the North American box office during its opening weekend, and hit $1.2 billion globally. Look out Avatar. I’m betting this movie will eventually become the all-time box office winner - though in nominal dollars.

But is Avengers: Endgame  worthy of such breathtaking box office numbers? The answer is a resounding "Yes!"

Endgame is not a perfect movie - nothing is perfect. It suffers from a few inconsistencies story-wise. But these are minor points given what has been accomplished.

Here are my top 5 spoiler-free points as to why this might be the best superhero movie of all-time, or at least landing in the top 3.

First, Endgame amounts to a smooth, exciting continuation of Avengers: Infinity War. The directors, the Russo brothers – Anthony and Joe – essentially have given movie-goers a combined, near-six-hour film with several engrossing chapters. There were some concerns that the just-over-three-hour runtime for Endgame would test bladders across the nation. That really shouldn't be an issue as this is an immersive three hours that will suppress most calls by nature.

Second, Endgame provides multiple emotional wallops. Without saying anything more, even a casual watcher of Marvel Cinematic Universe films will shed a tear at times, while during other moments fight off the urge to stand up and cheer.

Third, the Marvel humor that many fans appreciate is present, but it only complements or is subservient to the larger drama and action. Full credit to the Russo brothers, once again, for using humor in a balanced way.

Fourth, Marvel movie fans will go into the theater with a full set of expectations, as did I.  They should expect, though, to be surprised, perhaps several times, along the way.

Fifth, with decisions regarding various characters, the Russo brothers also have served up plenty of fodder for fanboys and fangirls to argue about for years to come. That's a good thing for a superhero movie. It also happens to be good for the box office, as Avengers: Endgame lends itself to seeing it multiple times in the theater. I know I`ll be heading back to catch some things that I no doubt missed the first time around, and to ponder some of the choices made by the storytellers in this truly marvelous film.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story –published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

6 Economics Lessons for Abigail Disney

by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 24, 2019

Abigail Disney, a filmmaker and the grandniece of Walt Disney, is very upset about executive pay at the Walt Disney Company. She made this clear in a Washington Post op-ed. Unfortunately, she also made it clear that she understands nothing about economics and how earnings are determined. 

Ms. Disney complained about “the naked indecency of chief executive Robert Iger’s pay.” Golly. She then went on to compare executive pay to the average worker’s, railed against tax cuts, and attacked the Disney company for opposing a minimum wage hike in the city of Anaheim. I hate to say it: This reads like a typical left-wing, Hollywood diatribe devoid of any economic sense, and the only reason that Ms. Disney is getting attention is because of her last name.

Now, let’s try to help Ms. Disney, and others, understand some basic economics when it comes to compensation. I do a regular podcast titled “Free Enterprise in Three Minutes,” and have dealt with the economics of earnings and wages in several episodes.

I’m currently doing a series on “What People Earn.” So, there’s three minutes (give or take) for each of the following:

Episode 31: What People Earn, Part I: Productivity explains that, ultimately, earnings, or incomes, are determined by productivity, that is, output per worker.

Episode 32: What People Earn, Part II: Boosting Productivity notes, “Higher earnings for workers are not about government mandating a minimum wage or a living wage. Instead, higher earnings are about increasing output, value or productivity in a competitive market.”

Episode 33: What People Earn, Part III: Why Does Mike Trout Earn More than Teachers? tackles the issue of someone like Angels outfielder Mike Trout earning more than your average school teacher – again, based on economics rather than how someone might feel.

And the latest episode deals directly with Ms. Disney’s complaint. It is titled Episode 34: What People Earn, Part IV: Why CEOs Make Far More Than Their Employees, and I explain the basics on why CEOs of businesses make so much more than those on the assembly line, covering the sales floor, or driving the trucks.

There are other episodes that Ms. Disney could benefit from in terms of understanding the actual economics at work, such as Episode 21: The Ills of Price Controls, which explains, in part, why a minimum wage hurts, rather than helps, young, inexperienced, low-skill workers, and Episode 15: Marx Was Wrong – Owners and Labor Work Together, which lays out how the real relationship between business owners and workers functions, as opposed to the idea that one is pitted against the other.

So, there you have it. Six quick lessons for Ms. Disney and others on the economics of earnings. That’s a total of about 18 minutes in listening time. Now, how many people who line up with Ms. Disney on such matters will carve out this little bit of time to gain a better grasp on economics and compensation? I’m guessing not many – and that is unfortunate.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Major League Baseball in the Mix to Buy Regional Sports Networks from Disney

by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 18, 2019

When Disney bought assets from Fox for $71.3 billion, part of the deal was 22 regional sports networks (RSNs). However, the government said Disney couldn’t keep those networks. The forthcoming sale of these RSNs means that Disney is likely to recoup some $13.5 billion of its Fox purchase price, and Major League Baseball (MLB) might be in on picking up 21 of those RSNs.

The U.S. Department of Justice decided that its regulatory approval of the Disney-Fox deal was contingent upon Disney selling the RSNs. The Justice Department apparently worried, given Disney’s ownership of ESPN, about some kind of monopolization of sports broadcasting. Given the dynamism of the video marketplace, this government mandate was firmly rooted in economic ignorance, but that’s a point left to be explored in another piece.

One of the networks – the YES Network – reportedly has been secured by Amazon in collaboration with the Sinclair Broadcast Group. This is the network that carries the Yankees, and the team is part owner. This sale is said to be for $3.5 billion.

There are three bidders that have reached the final round for the remaining 21 RSNs – Ice Cube’s Big3, Sinclair, and Liberty Media Corp., which is teaming up with MLB. Liberty owns the Atlanta Braves and the Formula One Group. 

It’s widely reported that this package will be sold for approximately $10 billion. Interestingly, this is down notably from assorted estimates for a sale price in the $20-$22 billion neighborhood. 

Arguably, the most interesting outcome would see MLB in on the ownership for these 21 RSNs, and what that might mean for expanding opportunities for broadcasting baseball.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Disney Pledges $5 Million to Restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 17, 2019

The Walt Disney Company announced today that it has pledged a $5 million donation to the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Photo courtesy of Wilipedia

Bob Iger, Disney chairman and CEO, said, “Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope and beauty that has defined the heart of Paris and the soul of France for centuries, inspiring awe and reverence for its art and architecture and for its enduring place in human history. The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends and neighbors in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece.”

A report earlier today from the Associated Press said that nearly $1 billion in donations had been pledged to rebuild the cathedral: “Contributions came from near and far, rich and poor — from Apple and magnates who own L’Oreal, Chanel and Dior, to Catholic parishioners and others from small towns and cities around France and the world.”

Another AP report basically laid out a timeline of events when the fire broke out on April 15, and the battle that raged against the flames and to protect the cathedral and its treasures. As the AP described one scene:

At 7:49 p.m., the 19th-century spire that was the architectural masterpiece of Eugène Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc and his post-Revolutionary restoration broke apart and fell through the nave. The bronze weathercock tumbled, taking with it three relics sealed inside in 1935.
 It had been 66 minutes since the first flames were spotted.
 The sky above the cathedral flamed orange, and the fire lurched toward Notre Dame’s iconic towers, then slipped inside.
 As darkness fell, 20 firefighters climbed inside the two towers “at great risk to their lives, to attack the fire from the inside and save the building,” said Laurent Nunez, deputy interior minister.

While French President Emmanuel Macron has promised that Notre Dame would be rebuilt in five years, most experts note that it could take much longer – perhaps decades.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Have a Coke in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

by Ray Keating

News/Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 16, 2019

I’ve been known to declare on occasion: “Sometimes a cold Coca-Cola is the perfect drink.” More than a few people have, no doubt, said the same thing while in Walt Disney World or Disneyland. And looking ahead, they’ll be able to grab a Coke in the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in both parks. But it’ll be a different, immersive drink.

Really? what’s the big deal? After all, you’ve been able to grab a Coke at Disney theme parks since the beginning. In fact, the relationship between the Walt Disney Company and the Coca-Cola Company dates back to 1942. As noted in February 2011 post at coca-colacompany.com by Ted Ryan:

A few weeks ago, we were treated to an absolutely fantastic presentation by George Aguel, Senior Vice President of The Walt Disney Company.  George walked us through Coke and Disney's shared history beginning with our two handwritten logos recognized around the world.  He then detailed (with audio and video I don't have rights to share) joint promotions for Saludos Amigos, Disney's 1942 feature film about Latin America.  George also shared an unrealized script from the Disney  Archives from 1943.  It would have been a joint creation of the two companies but had to be dropped due to World War II.  From that point the content flew by, we were the sponsor of the first Disney television special, One Hour in Wonderland, which aired on Christmas day, 1950 as well as the later television series, The Mickey Mouse Club.

And of course, Coca-Cola was onboard when Disneyland opened in 1955 at the “Refreshment Corner” on Main Street, U.S.A., when Walt Disney World opened in 1971, and has been there and in the other theme parks ever since. Today, there’s a Coca-Cola Store, for example, at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs, and there’s the Coca-Cola-sponsored Club Cool at Epcot. In fact, I purchased this very cool hat at Club Cool.

However, what Coca-Cola and Disney are going to do in Galaxy’s Edge is especially cool. As Disney announced on April 13, the company worked with Coke and Lucasfilm to create “specially designed Coca-Cola bottles that are designed to fit authentically within the Star Wars universe.” Check out the video:

Coca-Cola further explained: “The Coca-Cola Company introduces hundreds of new products each year to give people more of the drinks they want in a range of innovative packaging – but none quite like this. Spherical ‘orb’ bottles – which will be exclusive to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – stay true to the Star Wars aesthetic with a rounded look, resealable caps and brand names printed on scuffed, rusted labels in Aurebesh, the written language featured in the film franchise.”

In terms of how the bottles were developed, Coke went on to note:

The creative process kicked off more than three years ago. Coca-Cola Design created dozens of prototypes of all shapes and sizes, collaborating with Walt Disney Imagineering and Lucasfilm Ltd. before eventually landing on the designs that will debut in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (Coca-Cola and Disney are both listed on the patent of the proprietary over-cap).

Matt Cooper, an associate industrial designer at Coke, said the project challenged his team to “take our brands places we’d never taken them before.” Specifically, Batuu. 

“We wanted to create a package that would appear like it was pulled off a ship or left behind and repurposed as a bottle of your favorite Coca-Cola beverage – all with visual cues that keep you in the Star Wars storyline,” Cooper explained.

The idea to use Aurebesh text on the labels came during a tour of the Coke Archives in Atlanta, where Coca-Cola signage with the brand’s iconic Spencerian script logo in various languages caught the attention of a few Walt Disney Imagineers.

Corporate relationships dating back 77 years are rare, to say the least. And it’s interesting to see two long-established companies being creative to engage their customers. Of course, engaging customers in creative ways is what Disney’s entertainment business is all about in the end. But it’s what a beverage company like Coca-Cola must do as well. In fact, Coca-Cola arguably does it better than anyone else, as the 127-year-old company ranks as the world’s most recognizable brand, and a significant part of that is about lifestyle. And now, it’s getting set to be the most recognizable brand in a galaxy far, far away.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

ResortTV1 to Break New Ground in Disney Livestreaming on Saturday, April 13th

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 12, 2019

On Saturday, April 13, ResortTV1 will be taking livestreaming to a level not previously achieved.

ResortTV1 has announced that it will be going live from all six U.S. Disney theme parks – from Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California – at the same time. The all-day stream will be switching between all six parks thanks to, according to the ResortTV1 announcement, “stream-hopping technology.” ResortTV1 says this is the first time that all six parks will be in one livestream.

ResortTV1 will be jumping on at least one ride in each park, along with highlighting shows, food, shopping, special guests, chats and, as they put it, “family fun.”

This epic livestream will start at 9:00 AM EST on April 13, and the plan is to go close to closing time in Disneyland. Wow! ResortTV1 is right in calling this livestream “epic.”

Livestreaming from the Disney parks has become wildly popular, and this is a fascinating step being taken by ResortTV1. I certainly wish them success on Saturday. Indeed, a full-day of livestreaming from all six U.S. parks is a dream come true for many Disney aficionados. It should set the bar higher for other livestreams – Disney-related and others – going forward.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Star Wars: Episode IX Teaser

Check it out!

Disney Announces Streaming Strategy: Disney+ Priced at $6.99 Per Month

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

April 11, 2019

The Walt Disney Company went three-for-three today on content, pricing and timing in its announcement regarding the Disney+ streaming service. The big news was that Disney+ streaming will launch in the U.S. on November 12, 2019, at a price of $6.99 per month.

Bob Iger, Disney chairman and chief executive officer, said, “We are confident that the combination of our unrivaled storytelling, beloved brands, iconic franchises, and cutting-edge technology will make Disney+ a standout in the marketplace, and deliver significant value for consumers and shareholders alike.”

The company announced that Disney+ will launch with “a robust library of theatrical and television content.” That will include “more than 25 original series and 10 original films, documentaries and specials by some of the industry’s most prolific and creative storytellers.”

Among the original content highlighted by Disney were:

• “The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, a live-action series with Anthony Mackie returning as Falcon and Sebastian Stan reprising his role as Winter Soldier”
• “WandaVision, a live-action series with Elizabeth Olsen returning as Wanda Maximoff and Paul Bettany reprising his role as The Vision”
• “Marvel’s What If…?, the first animated series from Marvel Studios and takes inspiration from the comic books of the same name. Each episode will explore a pivotal moment from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and turn it on its head, leading the audience into uncharted territory.”
• “Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2, a documentary series showing the hard work and imagination that go into making one of the most highly anticipated Walt Disney Animation Studios features of all time”
• “Toy Story-based projects Forky Asks a Question, an animated short series, and the short film Lamp Life”
• “Magic of the Animal Kingdom, a documentary series which takes viewers behind the scenes with the highly respected animal-care experts, veterinarians and biologists at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Epcot’s SeaBase aquarium”
• “The Phineas and Ferb Movie (working title), an animated film featuring many of the original voice cast.”

These come on top of other already-announced new series, such as the live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian; a new season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars;  a Cassian Andor series starring Diego Luna and Alan Tudyk; Marvel’s Loki  series starring Tom Hiddleston; and Monsters at Work.

What else? Well, consider that Disney also highlighted that Disney+ will offer “all 30 seasons of The Simpsons ... on day one,” and during first year, “audiences will also have access to family-friendly Fox titles like The Sound of Music, The Princess Bride and Malcolm in the Middle as part of an impressive collection of more than 7,500 television episodes and 500 films including blockbuster hits from 2019 and beyond.”

The combination of a massive and growing content library of high-profile movie and television titles, rolling out new and potentially high-appeal titles, and a price well below the Netflix standard plan ($12.99 per month) point to an impressive opening for the Disney+ service. And it’ll be available just in time for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Consumer and investor expectations should run high.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with three books - Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story and Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel was published in January 2019. He can be contacted at  raykeating@keatingreports.com.