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

Monday, October 31, 2022

Walt Disney’s Creative Link to the Haunted Mansion

 by Ray Keating

Lifestyle

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 31, 2022

 

There’s a lot going on at Walt Disney theme parks regarding Halloween – indeed, for the two months leading up to Halloween. But for me, mention Halloween, Disney and related scary stuff, and I think of the Haunted Mansion.




And while the Haunted Mansion opened after the death of Walt Disney, it didn’t mean that Walt’s creative fingerprints couldn’t be found amongst the mansion’s dust and cobwebs. For example…

 

• The extraordinary success of Mary Poppins prompted renewed awe for the achievements of Walt Disney. While he enjoyed recognition of his talents, Walt distrusted an excess of praise. Among his associates, he responded with an expletive. In the presence of strangers, he was polite but uneasy. One noon he entertained a group of industrialists at his table in the commissary, and they were extravagant in their praise of Walt Disney. Donn Tatum recognized Walt’s discomfiture and tried to relieve the situation by remarking, “Well, Walt, there’s only one thing left for you to do, and that’s to walk on water.”

Walt’s eyes twinkled and he answered, “I’ve already tried that and it doesn’t work.” 

His creative touch extended to everything, from a new cartoon feature based on Kipling’s The Jungle Book to a projected Disneyland attraction, the Haunted Mansion, to a musical film based on a Broadway play, The Happiest Millionaire.

 

- Bob Thomas, Walt Disney: An American Original

 

• [Walt Disney] had thought as well of a New Orleans quarter with a Haunted Mansion, and he had dispatched Herb Ryman and John Hench to the city to take photographs, which later became models for the attraction. 

 

– Neal Gabler, Walt Disney

 

• On August 9, 1969, the doors of the Haunted Mansion first creaked open to ghoulish ghosts (and guests) looking for an unlivable home… The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland was the first major Disney attraction to open without the direct supervision of Walt Disney. Although Walt reviewed many early concepts and vignettes, he never saw the completed show. Construction for the Haunted Mansion attraction began in 1961 and the exterior of the attraction was completed in 1963. It was unoccupied until 1969 while Walt Disney participated in the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair and his Imagineers were re-tasked to work on those timely projects. 

 

– Disney Parks Blog

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael 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? 

 

Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Pre-Order Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Keating says, “I think Persecution might be the most action-packed of any of the Pastor Stephen Grant books so far.”

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution  

Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHHJNNB4

 

Two great ways to order Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. Signed paperbacks here and the Kindle edition here

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new nonfiction book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks here, and paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions here.  

 

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

Thursday, October 27, 2022

The U.S. Air Force and Walt Disney World

 by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 27, 2022

 

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds did two flyovers at Walt Disney World today. Why? The Air Force is celebrating 75 years, and of course, Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. These were birthday combination flyovers.



On its Facebook page, the Air Force Thunderbirds noted: “Thank you Disney for this once in a lifetime opportunity, and for all you do for past and present military members and their families, with programs like Heroes Work Here and the employee resource group SALUTE.”

 

I hope they don’t mind us sharing their pictures here. Thanks for your service!

 






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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael 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? 

 

Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Pre-Order Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Keating says, “I think Persecution might be the most action-packed of any of the Pastor Stephen Grant books so far.”

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution  

Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHHJNNB4

 

Two great ways to order Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. Signed paperbacks here and the Kindle edition here

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new nonfiction book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks here, and paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions here.  

 

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

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

James Gunn’s Opportunity, Disney’s Loss

 by Ray Keating

News/Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 25, 2022

 

News broke tonight that director James Gunn will be the co-CEO of DC Studios, along with producer Peter Safran. The duo will lead the film, television and animation division, according to The Hollywood Reporter.



DC Studios will replace DC Films at Warner Bros.

 

While the proof will be in the pudding, for now, this rates as a homerun hire for Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.

 

According to the report, “Gunn will focus on the creative side of things, while Safran will focus on the business and production side.”

 

The deal starts on November 1, runs for four years, at least to start, and Gunn will be exclusive to DC Studios.

 

That puts an end to Gunn’s relationship with Marvel-Disney, with The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special arriving on Disney+ on November 25 and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 coming to theaters on May 5, 2023.

 

Gunn winding up at DC isn’t a surprise, given that Marvel had fired him as director of Guardians 3, with DC then hiring him for The Suicide Squad and subsequently the HBO Max spinoff Peacemaker. Of course, Marvel hired him back for Guardians 3, eventually. But it’s understandable not only where Gunn’s loyalties might lie, but also that Warner Bros. views Gunn as one of the premiere creators when it comes to superhero cinema.

 

Anyone who appreciates superheroes on the big screen should be pleased with this new DC Studios team, as it points to a potential step up in the quality and coherence of the DCU. Perhaps it might serve as something of a competitive jolt to the MCU, which has had more misses than hits in recent years.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael 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? 

 

Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Pre-Order Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Keating says, “I think Persecution might be the most action-packed of any of the Pastor Stephen Grant books so far.”

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution  

Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHHJNNB4

 

Two great ways to order Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. Signed paperbacks here and the Kindle edition here

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new nonfiction book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks here, and paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions here.  

 

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

Guardians Holiday Special Trailer, James Gunn and More

 by Ray Keating

News/Commentary

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 25, 2022

 

Are you ready for The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special?

 

Keep in mind what director James Gunn said in March: “The Holiday Special is the greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life. It’s totally ridiculous, and every day we can’t believe that we’re making it. We all completely love it. It is unlike anything that anyone’s ever seen before. I can’t wait for people to see it.”




 

Well, that’s saying something … I think. Anyway, now we have a trailer released today by Disney, and yes, I’m all in. 

 

The special premieres on Friday, November 25, on Disney+. 

 

Disney notes that the Holiday Special stars “Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, and Pom Klementieff, featuring Vin Diesel as Groot and Bradley Cooper as Rocket. The special also stars Sean Gunn and The Old 97’s, with Michael Rooker and Kevin Bacon.” Yes, the legendary Kevin Bacon!

 

If Gunn scores with this special and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is scheduled for release on May 5, 2023, it’s pretty clear that within the MCU movie realm, Gunn and the Guardians will have earned the top position in terms of consistent quality. But we have to wait and see. Oh yeah, and there’s the fact that the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind ride at EPCOT ranks as the best roller coaster ride I’ve ever ridden. 

 

Merry Christmas, Star-Lord! (Too early?)

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael 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? 

 

Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Pre-Order Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Keating says, “I think Persecution might be the most action-packed of any of the Pastor Stephen Grant books so far.”

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution  

Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHHJNNB4

 

Two great ways to order Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. Signed paperbacks here and the Kindle edition here

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new nonfiction book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks here, and paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions here.  

 

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

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

“Fantasmic!” Returning to Hollywood Studios November 3

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 19, 2022

 

Cue the fireworks… literally!  At long last, “Fantasmic!” is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, following its two-and-a-half year long hiatus after the COVID closures. The nighttime extravaganza has long been a favorite of Disney fans, and it makes its triumphant return on November 3, 2022, with all new pyrotechnics, as well as upgraded lasers, sound, and lighting. A brand new hero scene adds to the updated show’s storyline.


Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog


Fantasmic! takes place in the Hollywood Hills outdoor amphitheater off Sunset Boulevard, and features dozens of performers bringing to life many of guests’ most beloved Disney characters, along with inspiring music, colorful water elements, and larger-than-life scenery.  In the show, Mickey’s imagination takes flight as he dreams that he is the sorcerer’s apprentice “with the power to control water, color and magic.”  Things take a dark turn, however, as the Disney Villains, including a 40-foot-tall Maleficent in dragon form, invade the dream.  Along the way, characters from Disney’s animated films, including Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, and The Lion King, among others, put in an appearance.

 

According to the Disney Parks Blog, Disney Live Entertainment Show Director Matthew Hamel says of the new show scene, “Through this entire sequence, we go on a journey with our heroes. We see them faced with a decision, and how hard that can be for them, then watch as they find that strength within themselves to push through in a truly spectacular way.”  

 

The new heroes’ sequence incorporates an Aladdin chase with stunts, and Frozen’s Elsa singing “Show Yourself.” Pocahontas will still be part of the show, and Moana will be making an appearance as well. In preparing for the show’s return, Disney’s choreographers even brought in Mimi Chan, the original model who helped animators create Mulan for the 1998 animated film, to help them choreograph the martial arts moves during Mulan’s scene.

 

Beginning October 26, Disney will also offer “Fantasmic!” dining packages for select restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  The dining packages will be available for performances after November 30 at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater ($49.00); 50’s Prime Time Café ($51.00); Hollywood & Vine Breakfast ($54.00); Hollywood & Vine lunch and dinner ($71.00); Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano ($54.00); and Hollywood Brown Derby ($73.00).  (Prices listed are for adult meals. Children’s pricing is also available on the dining package webpage.)


Dining packages include an entrée, and appetizer or dessert at select full-service restaurants or one full buffet, along with a non-alcoholic beverage.  Guests will also receive a voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved area for dining package guests, but the individual seats are not assigned seats.  (Note that both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required. Disney’s Hollywood Studios admission is not included in the price of the dining package.)

 

As of this writing, Disney had not yet posted showtimes for “Fantasmic!” but since there are fireworks involved, guests will need to wait until at least sundown to see the show.  Consult the My Disney Experience app as November gets closer for updated show dates and times.

 

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

 

Saturday, October 15, 2022

Netflix vs. Disney+ Streaming Wars: Ad-Supported Tiers

 by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 15, 2022

 

The ad-supported options in the streaming “wars” are about to expand, with Netflix adding an ad-supported tier on November 3 – a month before the Disney+ ad-supported service comes on line.



Netflix will charge $6.99 per month. That will be a dollar less per month than what Disney+ will charge for its ad-supported streaming option.

 

Netflix reported that ads will be 15-30 seconds in length, and will run before and during programs. There will be an average of 4-5 minutes of ads per hour. As for advertisers, they will be able to target audiences by country and by genre (such as action, sci-fi, drama, etc.), while also making sure that ads do not run during content that do not align with their brand.

 

The price of Disney+ without ads also will increase by one dollar per month to $10.99 in early December. That compares to Netflix’s $9.99 for its basic non-ad option.

 

Other major streaming services that offer ad-supported options are Paramount+ ($4.99 per month with ads and $9.99 without), Peacock ($4.99 per month with ads and $9.99 without), HBO Max ($9.99 per month with ads and $14.99 without), and Disney’s Hulu ($7.99 per month with ads and $14.99 without). The monthly cost of ESPN+ was increased by a dollar in August, and Hulu also by $1 early this week.

 

The Disney bundle – Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu (ad supported) – currently costs $13.99 per month, and will rise to $14.99 in December.

 

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Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com; and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries, and the Alliance of Saint Michael 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? 

 

Ray Keating is the author of the Pastor Stephen Grant thrillers and mysteries. Pre-Order Persecution: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel. Keating says, “I think Persecution might be the most action-packed of any of the Pastor Stephen Grant books so far.”

Signed books at https://raykeatingonline.com/products/persecution  

Kindle edition at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHHJNNB4

 

Two great ways to order Cathedral: An Alliance of Saint Michael Novel, which is the first in the Alliance of Saint Michael series. Signed paperbacks here and the Kindle edition here

 

Two great ways to order Ray Keating’s new nonfiction book – The Weekly Economist: 52 Quick Reads to Help You Think Like an Economist. Signed paperbacks here, and paperbacks, hardcovers and Kindle editions here.  

 

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

Friday, October 7, 2022

Disney100 Celebration Begins January 27, 2023, at Disneyland Resort

 by Beth Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 7, 2022

 

On October 16, 1923, Walt Disney and his brother, Roy, formed “Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio” in order to produce a series of live-action cartoons, based on Walt’s earlier short, “Alice’s Wonderland.”  Walt had created “Alice’s Wonderland” under his Laugh-O-Gram label, but with a contract in hand to continue producing the “Alice” shorts, the brothers formed what would one day become a world-wide entertainment giant. Shortly after their successful launch, they changed the name to Walt Disney Studio, which later became the Walt Disney Company.


Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog


Next year, the Disney company will be kicking off “Disney 100 Years of Wonder,” the largest cross-company global celebration in the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company. And while the main focus of the celebration will take place at the park Walt himself oversaw at Disneyland California, all of the Disney Parks around the world will have a place in the celebration of the 100th anniversary.  (And, no doubt, they will be rolling out the 100th anniversary snacks, food and merch at each of the parks along the way.)

 

Disneyland Resort has announced that the Disney100 anniversary celebration will officially kick off January 27, 2023, but many of the special events will take place all year long.

 

Here’s what’s been shared so far:

 

• Disneyland will rock new party colors for the celebration, with “platinum-infused décor throughout the resort, new sparkling looks for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals, special food and beverage offerings, merchandise and more.” 

 

• Sleeping Beauty Castle will get a party-makeover as well, “adorned with elegant platinum banners and bunting, accented by a magnificent cabochon featuring the three Good Fairies who illuminate it with their shimmering pixie dust. Two majestic water fountains will grace either side of the moat, while a beautiful wishing star will sparkle from the tower above.”

 

• Two all-new nighttime spectaculars will debut. “World of Color – One” at Disney California Adventure will “celebrate the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney a century ago. It will tell a new story of how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change.” At Disneyland park, “Wondrous Journeys” will feature “nods to every Walt Disney Animation Studios film to date, taking us on a journey filled with artistry, music, storytelling and heart.” State-of-the-art projections on Main Street, Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world,” and the Rivers of America will help to tell the tale, and on select nights, “Wondrous Journeys” will add fireworks to the show. Both nighttime spectaculars will feature new songs written for the occasion.

 

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will open ahead of schedule on January 27 to help kick-off the celebration. The rest of the revamped Mickey’s Toontown is slated to reopen in spring 2023.


• The “Magic Happens” parade will be returning to Disneyland park, after its all-too-brief, pre-Covid run. The “Magic Happens” parade “reminds us we don’t need wings to fly, shooting stars were made to wish upon, and magic doesn’t stop at midnight.”

 

Additional details for the Disney100 celebration will be released as plans for the festivities at the other Disney parks are finalized.  Check back at the Disney Parks Blog, or at Disneyland Resort for future info.

 

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Happy 40th Birthday, EPCOT!

 by Beth Keating

Lifestyle

DisneyBizJournal.com

October 1, 2022

 

Today, EPCOT celebrates 40 years of bringing joy, great food, and sometimes even a little learning to Disney fans of all ages. On October 1, 1982, the doors opened on six Future World and nine World Showcase pavilions, bringing the living showcase that Walt Disney himself envisioned into being.



Walt Disney actually coined the phrase EPCOT in 1966, and the acronym stood for the “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.”  “EPCOT Center,” as it was initially called, did not end up mirroring the experimental neighborhood Walt visualized, however.

 

EPCOT has undergone many changes over its four decades, and there’s more to come. If you’ve ridden the monorail through EPCOT lately, you’ve no doubt taken a peek into the ongoing construction happening behind the walls as the Imagineers bring Moana and her world to life.  The six Future World pavilions are now history, making way for World Nature, World Celebration and World Discovery.  



As Walt Disney himself said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” And while there are certainly things about EPCOT’s past that we miss, EPCOT’s spirit of imagination and curiosity offers us a park that will continue to change.  

 

Happy birthday, EPCOT! 

 

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Beth Keating is a theme parks, restaurant and entertainment reporter for DisneyBizJournal.