Welcome to DisneyBizJournal.com - News, Analysis and Reviews of the Disney Entertainment Business!

Brought to fans, investors, entrepreneurs, executives, teachers, professors, and students by columnist, economist, novelist, reviewer, podcaster, business reporter and speaker Ray Keating

Monday, January 31, 2022

Catch Up with Walt Disney, Michael Eisner, Prof. Henry Jones and More!

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #267: Walt Disney on Humility and Raising Others Up – Walt Disney was a humble guy, who gave others credit. Oh yeah, and one of the greatest entrepreneurs of the 20th century.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #268: Walt Disney and the Consumer – Walt Disney understood the idea of consumer sovereignty in our free enterprise system.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #269: Michael Eisner on Magic – Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner talks about “magic,” but there’s more to the word than many might think.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #270: Wisdom from Professor Henry Jones – Sean Connery should have won an Oscar for his performance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. And his character served up wisdom along with laughs.

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #271: Walt Disney on Being Corny – Walt Disney admitted he was corny. But what does that mean?

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.


Sunday, January 30, 2022

Eternals Was No “Love Letter” to Jack Kirby

 by Ray Keating

Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 30, 2022

 

Kevin Feige, the head of Marvel Studios, declared the MCU movie Eternals to be a “love letter” to Jack Kirby, the great comic book artist and writer who created The Eternals, along with creating or co-creating a host of other Marvel characters, from Captain America to the Fantastic Four.

 

Unfortunately, the Eternals movie is anything but a love letter to Kirby.



In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in November, at the premiere of Eternals, Feige, referring to Kirby, said, “The whole movie is a love letter to what one man was able to do with a pencil, sitting at a little desk on the East Coast.”

 

The Eternals arrived from Marvel Comics in July 1976. I probably read the books when they were first published, but I confess to not recalling if I did or not. So, I just finished reading (re-reading?) Kirby’s run on The Eternals. This is not Kirby’s best story work by any means. It’s uneven, with some inspired moments and others that just fall flat. However, as is almost always the case with Kirby, the artwork is strong and dramatic, and has something of a cinematic quality to it. It’s easy to see how Feige or others at Marvel Studios thought it would be a good idea to bring The Eternals to the big screen, despite the fact that the books largely fell into the unread category for many, if not most, comic book readers.

 

Unfortunately, the film in almost every way is indifferent to or ignorant of Kirby’s work. 

 

As noted in my DisneyBizJournal reviewEternals came up short in so many ways, such as flat characters; mostly poor performances (though with exceptions); contradictions and nonsensical moments in the story and for certain characters; poor special effects; and supposed attempts to deal with big issues that simply come off as immature and embarrassing.



And if this weren’t bad enough, any real link to Jack Kirby’s work is nonexistent. The moviemakers use the names of Kirby’s characters, but that’s pretty much it. There’s no resemblance between the original comic book characters and those in the movie. Debate and complaints always seem to materialize when characters from comic books are presented on the silver screen. More often than not, however, the debate or complaints are over matters of degree. For example, the 2013 Man of Steel movie still generates debate over certain actions by Superman, but there’s no mistaking that this is Superman. That’s definitely not the case with the Eternals movie. It’s hard to find characters in the movie grounded in any substantive way with Kirby’s original characters. Indeed, most of this is quite egregious on the part of the filmmakers, including a dramatic change in Ikaris, who serves as the central hero in Kirby’s books but is presented as something quite different in the movie. If Warner Brothers had done to Superman what Marvel Studios did to Ikaris, I hate to think what Superman fans would have done. Luckily for the MCU, few knew who Ikaris was going into the theater. Of course, Jack Kirby certainty understood the characters he created, and it’s hard to believe that he would have seen the Eternals film as some kind of love letter.

 

Finally, one of the most damning issues for a movie, though, is that the pages of The Eternals drawn by Jack Kirby possess more cinematic magic than does the actual Eternals movie seen in cinemas. The Eternals was far from Jack Kirby’s best work, yet those comic books still beat the Eternals movie.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.comPast Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of DisneyFree Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Embrace Deadlines!



Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #255: Deadlines Are Your Friends – Disney’s Martin Sklar nails it on deadlines and creativity.

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Netflix vs. Disney: Who Really Has the Advantage?

 by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 26, 2022

 

When zeroing in on the battle between Netflix and Disney, the more traditional take is that Netflix has a big advantage given its number of subscribers. 



After all, Netflix has 222 million subscribers versus Disney +’s 118.1 million. Although one cannot ignore that Disney also has 17.1 million ESPN+ subscribers along with 43.8 million Hulu subscribers. That tallies up to a total of 179 million subscriptions. Hmmm.

 

But what if we just stick with Netflix vs. Disney+? A very interesting article at TheStreet.com caught my attention. Written by Daniel Kline, the article was titled “Netflix's Problem Isn't Membership. It's What Disney Has That It Doesn’t.” Well, what was Kline’s take with this provocative title?

 

While he starts out noting the market’s disappointment with the recent slowdown in Netflix’s subscriber growth, Kline correctly pointed out that when you’ve hit 222 million, some slowdown in growth should be expected. Instead, Kline asserts that Netflix’s real problem is about “content and spending.”

 

Kline argues that Netflix “basically throws shows at the wall to see what sticks.” That is, “Netflix has been releasing roughly 100 to 125 new shows, movies, and comedy specials each quarter. How many of those actually become hits -- maybe one or two each quarter? … Not owning high-interest IP forces Netflix to make a lot of shows and movies in hopes of having a hit.” He notes that Netflix is planning to spend $17 billion in 2022 on content.

 

Now, compare that to Disney+. Kline points to Disney’s vast IP library, including Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, its own well-known characters, along with “Indiana Jones and a variety of other properties that it hasn't even bothered to use on its streaming service.” Yet.

 

Kline drives home his argument this way: “Essentially, the third or fourth most-popular ‘Star Wars’ show based on minor characters from that universe garners more interest than all but the top-tier Netflix content. That gives Disney a huge advantage as every show it puts on its streaming service essentially becomes a hit. Not all hits are at the same level – ‘The Mandalorian’ likely brings in more viewers than ‘The Mighty Ducks.’ But each swing the Mouse House takes has a solid chance to be a hit.”

 

It’s hard to argue with Kline’s take. While companies mismanage their assets on a regular basis (see Disney itself after Walt’s death until the arrival of Eisner, for example) and are punished in the marketplace accordingly, if Disney can work its creative magic with these vast assets, then the more typical analysis not too far down the road might be along the lines of how Netflix can rebound after being overtaken by Disney+.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.comPast Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of DisneyFree Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Dreams and Edna Mode


Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #265: ALL Dreams Can Come True? – Walt Disney spoke about the courage to pursue our dreams, and largely nailed it. But ALL dreams?

 

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #266: Wisdom from Edna Mode – Ray Keating calls Edna Mode one of the smartest women in Hollywood. Find out why.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Monday, January 24, 2022

Pixar: Three Times a Charm or Three Strikes You’re Out or … COVID?

 by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 24, 2022

 

Disney recently announced that Pixar’s Turning Red will skip a theatrical release, and instead, head straight to a Disney+. This marks the third Pixar film in a row to land on Disney+, after Soul and Luca. What does this mean for Pixar? Three times a charm? Three strikes you’re out? Or just more COVID fallout?



Interestingly, the articles citing anonymous sources from inside Pixar didn’t capture anger and hostility against Disney or CEO Bob Chapek. Instead, the quotes came across as a combination of resignation and disappointment. With what’s going on with COVID, including the latest Omicron variant surge, those quoted admitted that they understood these decisions, though not necessarily liking them. 

 

As one Pixar person was quoted by the Hollywood Reporter: “Everyone is really bummed, but most of us get it. Families just aren’t going to the movies.”

 

That lines up with what Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, said: “Given the delayed box office recovery, particularly for family films, flexibility remains at the core of our distribution decisions as we prioritize delivering the unparalleled content of The Walt Disney Company to audiences around the world.”

 

Consider that Disney animation’s Encanto, which was released in theaters on November 24, made $224 million at the box office on a production budget estimated at between $120 million and $150 million. Factor in marketing, and the film might have broken even … maybe.

 

Box office revenues obviously matter to Disney, but so does streaming subscriptions. And imagine where would Disney, and its Pixar subsidiary, be without streaming in this environment.

 

The big Pixar test now stands as Lightyear, which is scheduled to hit theaters on June 17, 2022. And yes, COVID will largely tell the story.

 

Turning Red will arrive on Disney+ on March 11. Like Soul and LucaTurning Red will be available to Disney+ subscribers at no additional cost.

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.comPast Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of DisneyFree Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Favreau on Work, Obi-Wan on Luck


Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #263: Director Jon Favreau on Understanding Who You’re Working For – Not every undertaking in business is like an indy film. Sometimes we’re talking big budgets, and that comes with certain responsibilities.

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #264: Obi-Wan Kenobi on Luck – Do you agree with Obi-Wan on luck, take the oppositive view, or something in between?


The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Saturday, January 22, 2022

Why Did Disney’s Stock Dive on Friday (Jan. 21)?

 by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 22, 2022

 

Disney’s stock price dropped by $10.24 – or by 6.94 percent – on Friday, January 21, to $137.38. That was the worst closing price for a week since early November 2020. (Full disclosure: I own Disney stock.)

 

So, what happened? Netflix happened.



Specifically, Netflix missed on market expectations for subscriber growth. The company projected subscriber growth of 2.5 million in the current quarter (first quarter 2022), which compares to 4 million in the same quarter last year. Also, subscribers came in at 8.3 million in the fourth quarter, slightly below projections of 8.5 million. Netflix tumbled by 22 percent on Friday.

 

Of course, Disney also had missed market expectations for Disney+ subscriber growth that was announced in November, with 2.1 million quarterly net adds coming in far below market expectations that topped 10 million. And since early November, the Disney stock price has dropped by nearly $40 per share, or by 22 percent.

 

Having said all of this, Disney differs from Netflix in that it is not only a streaming play. While CEO Bob Chapek has made it clear that Disney’s main emphasis moving forward will in fact be direct-to-consumer, streaming efforts, that doesn’t mean that the rest of this vast entertainment company, such as theme parks, the cruise line, resorts, merchandise, and so on, will somehow be neglected. Indeed, since the days of Walt Disney himself, Disney has been known for brand synergy, with one part of the company fueling growth and revenues in other parts. 

 

Given the various sectors covered by Disney, few entertainment companies seem better positioned to take full advantage of a post-pandemic, post-supply-chain-challenges, post-inflation environment. The only real question is the same one that all other businesses are trying to continue to figure out: Just when exactly will we be clear of this pandemic and its related problems?

 

__________

 

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels and assorted nonfiction books. Have Ray Keating speak your group, business, school, church, or organization. Email him at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

 

The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?

 

Get more out of 2022 with The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

 

Keating has three new books out. Vatican Shadows: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel is the 13th thriller/mystery in the Pastor Stephen Grant series. Get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.comPast Lives: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the 14th book in the series. Again, get the paperback or Kindle edition at Amazon, or signed book at www.raykeatingonline.com. And order the 15th book in the series What’s Lost? A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story – grab it at Amazon.com or signed editions at www.raykeatingonline.com

 

Also, check out Ray’s podcasts – the Daily Dose of DisneyFree Enterprise in Three Minutes, and the PRESS CLUB C Podcast.

Career Advice from Peter Pan


Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #262: Career Advice from Peter Pan – Yes, Peter Pan can provide some insight on moving ahead in one’s business and career.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Friday, January 21, 2022

Disney Expert Notes That Businesses Must Understand the Differences Among Employees



Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #261: Different Motivations for Workers – Managers need to understand the differences with each worker to tap their potential, per a Disney expert.

 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Stan Lee Found Happiness in Work


Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #260: Stan Lee Happiest When Working – Love your work, and you might feel like Stan Lee who said he was happiest when working. 

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Walt Disney on Becoming an Entrepreneur

Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating – Episode #259: Walt Disney on Key Points of Entrepreneurship – Walt hits on some key reasons for becoming an entrepreneur.

The “Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating” podcast serves up a Disney or Disney-related quote each day, with DisneyBizJournal’s Ray Keating offering brief, additional thoughts on how each dose ties in to life, career, business, entrepreneurship, creativity, storytelling, work, or just plain fun.

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

A Warning from Alice in Wonderland


Check out the Latest Episode of the Daily Dose of Disney with Ray Keating … and All the Rest, Too! – Episode #258: Take Advice from Alice in Wonderland – Alice notes a shortfall that we all succumb to, and should work to overcome.


Monday, January 17, 2022

Dining Packages for EPCOT Garden Rocks Concert Series Go On Sale January 19

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 17, 2022

 

The list of performers for the 2022 EPCOT Garden Rocks Concert Series at the America Gardens Theatre has been set, and there are a number of first-time appearances, as well as a plethora of returning bands. There may even be a few much-loved artists from your youth (ahem…). The Garden Rocks Concert Series takes place during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival from March 2 to July 4, 2022.

 


If you want to guarantee yourself a great seat to hear your favorites, or even discover a new talent, you might want to consider booking a dining package for the evening.  Packages are available at four EPCOT restaurants, ranging from $57-$69 for adults.  Guests may begin booking reservations online starting January 19, 2022. 

 

While seating at the concert is free, the dining package guarantees you a first come-first served seat in the theatre.  Dining package guests enter through a separate queue than guests waiting for stand-by seats.  (You will also need EPCOT tickets and a park reservation for that day to attend the concert. EPCOT tickets are not included in your dining package price.) Seating is based on availability, due to limited capacity in the theatre.

 

Dining Packages are not offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, and are only available Friday to Monday.  Packages can be booked for either lunch or dinner, and each package includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert or one (1) full buffet (depending on the restaurant), along with a non-alcoholic beverage. After dining, guests will be given a concert badge that will admit them to one Garden Rocks concert performance on the same day. The date and time of the concert will be listed on your badge.

 

Dining Packages are available at:

Adult
(ages 10 and up)

Child
(ages 3 to 9)

Biergarten Restaurant

Germany Pavilion

$57.00

$32.00

Coral Reef Restaurant

The Living Seas

$69.00

$22.00

Garden Grill Restaurant

The Land Pavilion

$66.00

$43.00

Rose & Crown Dining Room

United Kingdom Pavilion

$58.00

$22.00

 

 

Scheduled performers for 2022 include:

 

  • The Guess Who (March 4 & 5)
  • Rick Springfield (March 6 & 7)
  • Melina León – NEW to Garden Rocks! (March 11 & 12)
  • TBD (March 13 & 14)
  • Mike DelGuidice, currently on tour with Billy Joel – NEW! (March 18 & 19)
  • Kool & The Gang – NEW to Garden Rocks! (March 20 & 21)
  • The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (March 25 to 28)
  • The Spinners (April 1 & 2)
  • The Pointer Sisters (April 3 & 4)
  • Blue October – NEW to Garden Rocks! (April 8 & 9)
  • TBD (April 10 & 11)
  • TBD (April 15 & 16)
  • Don Felder, formerly of The Eagles (April 17 & 18)
  • STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas (April 22 & 23)
  • Claudia Leitte – NEW! (April 24 & 25)
  • Berlin (April 29 & 30)
  • TobyMac (May 1 & 2)
  • Blood, Sweat & Tears (May 6 & 7)
  • The Commodores – NEW to Garden Rocks!  (May 8 & 9)
  • Ambrosia with Peter Beckett – NEW! (May 13 & 14)
  • TBD (May 15 & 16)
  • A Flock of Seagulls (May 20 & 21)
  • Collin Raye – NEW!  (May 22 & 23)
  • Thelma Houston – NEW!  (May 27 & 28)
  • Little River Band (May 29 & 30)
  • Simple Plan (June 3 to 6)
  • Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (June 10 to 13)
  • Plain White T’s (June 17 to 20)
  • TBD (June 24 & 25)
  • TBD (June 26 & 27)

 

Obviously, Disney still has a few holes to fill before March, so keep an eye out for concert updates. (Performers are also subject to change.)

 

_______________

 

Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

For you and as a gift! The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution is here! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use. 

Thursday, January 13, 2022

Disney Updates Vaccine Requirements for Cruise Line

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

January 13, 2022

 

Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean may have cancelled some of their current sailings, but Disney Cruise Line is still steaming ahead with its current schedule. However, a November Disney Cruise Line policy update to passenger boarding requirements has kicked in as of today, January 13, 2022.



Disney Cruise Line passengers ages 5 and up are now required to show proof of full vaccination status, while pint-sized sailors 4 and under must show a negative COVID test within the previous 3 days to 24 hours before sailing.  

 

Following the CDC and FDA’s approval of vaccines for children ages 5 and over, all Disney Cruise Line guests ages 5 and up will need to be fully vaccinated by their sail date, starting January 13, 2022. Disney Cruise Line’s website advises:

 

“Currently, Disney Cruise Line continues to require all vaccine-eligible Guests (based on US eligibility requirements) to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at the time of sailing. This is a requirement for all Guests (US and international) ages 5 and older. Guests who are not vaccine-eligible because of age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result (paid for by the Guest) taken between 3 days and 24 hours before their sail date. Guests ages 4 and under must complete the testing requirements. The test should be a NAAT test, rapid PCR test or lab-based PCR test. Rapid antigen tests are not accepted.”

 

Changes for cruise requirements are happening frequently, and often suddenly, and the CDC has a number of ships under surveillance for reports of COVID cases, so if a cruise – Disney or otherwise – is in your future, you need to stay on top of changing regulations. 

 

For current Disney Cruise procedures, head to the Disney Cruise Line website. The website also offers instructions for uploading COVID test results to the Safe Passage website, as well as discounts for a special rate of $98.33 per PCR test (which includes a 3.5% processing fee) through the third-party vendor, Inspire Diagnostics. Guests are also welcome to use their own choice of independent test suppliers for their pre-sail COVID test.

 

  • In addition to pre-sailing tests, Disney says, “All Guests, regardless of age and vaccination status, are required to take a COVID-19 test (paid for by Disney Cruise Line and administered by Inspire Diagnostics) at the terminal before boarding.”

 

According to The Orlando Sentinel, Norwegian Cruise Line, “the first cruise line to cancel sailings on active ships during this wave of COVID-19,” has expanded its list of cancellations, “including the first ship sailing out of Port Canaveral and more ships from PortMiami and Tampa as the omicron variant of COVID-19 surges. Norwegian Escape, the line’s sole ship sailing from Port Canaveral, had its next two sailings taken off the board.”   

 

Last week, Norwegian pushed planned restarts on some of its other ships to March amidst the current wave of COVID infections.

 

The Orlando Sentinel also reports that Royal Caribbean has seen some shuffling and cancelling of sailings, including “the world’ largest ship, Symphony of the Seas,” which was due to sail out of Miami, but is now “offline until Jan. 28, and Jewel of the Seas also out of Miami out of commission until Feb. 20.”   Other ships on the Royal Caribbean line have had changes of sailing dates as well.

 

_______________

 

Beth Keating is a regular contributor to DisneyBizJournal.

 

Please support the efforts of DisneyBizJournal.com to bring news, analysis and commentary on Disney to readers such as yourself. Make a contribution right here via PayPal. Thanks!

 

For you and as a gift! The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution is here! It combines a simple, powerful system for getting things done with encouragement and fun for Disney fans, including those who love Mickey, Marvel, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Pixar, princesses and more. Also, “The Disney Planner 2022: The TO DO List Solution” comes with a handy spiral binding for easy use.