6 Key Takeaways on the Disney-Fox Deal

assembled by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 20, 2019

The Wall Street Journal did a nice summary this morning on the now-completed Disney-Fox deal. Here are 6 quick takeaways from the Journal...

1. “Disney will now control Fox’s movie and television production studios, as well as its FX cable network, Fox Searchlight label and National Geographic properties.”

2. “Studios today need a deep stable of characters and franchises to sell streaming subscriptions, movie tickets, toys and theme-park admissions. That trend has led to rapid consolidation. AT&T Inc. acquired Time Warner Inc., a merger the telecom giant is planning to use to pipe entertainment onto its phones and launch its own direct-to-consumer streaming service. Comcast Corp. , to boost its NBCUniversal and Universal Pictures divisions, purchased DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. in 2016. CBS Corp. and Viacom Inc. are seen as a potential merger this year by industry analysts.”

3. “Disney’s rise has been driven by its acquisitions: For a combined $15.4 billion, the company has purchased Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Entertainment and Lucasfilm Ltd.”

4. “Disney is positioning its bet on Fox—by far the biggest acquisition in the company’s history—as a central element of its long-term strategy. The rise of Netflix has forced traditional studios to look for ways to create direct business relationships with consumers, skipping the multiplex and going directly into the home.”

5. “In a sign of the awkwardness of the Disney-Fox mashup, edgier Fox fare—such as FX shows like 'American Horror Story' or 'Pose' and movies like 'Deadpool' —will appear on streaming service Hulu, over which Disney will assume majority control now that the deal has closed. However, many FX shows are on Netflix and will remain there for some time.”

6. “Acquiring Fox’s 20th Century Fox Television Studio gives Disney one of the industry’s most prolific producers of content and a large library that includes such hits as ‘The Simpsons,’ ‘The X-Files’ and ‘Modern Family.’ Disney has put Fox’s television team in charge of its TV operations, including the ABC network, its cable networks and ABC Studios.”

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 Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story– published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novelwas published in January 2019. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Walt Disney and St. Joseph

by Chris Lucas

Guest Column

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 19, 2019

While Walt Disney himself wasn't Catholic, he's got a special connection to Saint Joseph, whose feast day is today. 

In 1940, using the profits from Snow White, Walt bought land in Burbank, California, for his new state-of-the-art studio campus. In 1942, Disney's fortunes dimmed as the World War limited his distribution of films. He mostly made shorts for the military, and the Army took over part of his studio for the war effort. 

Around that same time, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was looking for space for a hospital in the San Fernando Valley area, which had over 300,000 residents but less than 100 hospital beds. Archbishop John Joseph Cantwell brought in the Sisters of Providence to help run the new hospital, and a site was selected across from the Disney Studios in Burbank. Walt himself deeded several acres of his property, which he once thought would be perfect for a Disney park, to the sisters for the project - which was announced as Saint Joseph's Hospital on March 19, 1942 and officially opened in 1943. 

Walt, whose daughters went to Catholic School, served on the board of the hospital for a time, gave money towards the construction, and even participated in the groundbreaking with the Archbishop and the Sisters. The Archbishop of Los Angeles was invited to dedicate Disneyland in 1955, and the Sisters of Providence were given free passes to visit the park any time. Famed Disney artists like Mary Blair were commissioned by Walt to provide artwork for the hospital, a lot of which still exists, along with newer pieces. 

In November 1966, Walt checked himself into Saint Joseph's for a nagging injury. He was diagnosed with lung cancer and died in that same hospital a few weeks later. His room overlooked the studio that he built. On the night before he passed away, Walt enthusiastically described his plans for the "Florida Project" to his older brother, Roy, using the ceiling tiles at Saint Joseph's to map it all out. 

Roy had planned to retire, but stayed on after Walt's death to see his kid brother's final dream, Walt Disney World, to completion. A few months later, Roy Disney passed away at Saint Joseph's, almost five years to the day after Walt.

To this day, the Disney Company is an active supporter of Saint Joseph's hospital, which is now the largest in the San Fernando Valley, with over 500 beds, 650 doctors and a staff of almost 3,000. Roy's son, Roy E. Disney, and his wife, Patricia, sponsored the building of a cancer treatment center there, which is named for them. 

For Saint Joseph's in Burbank, it all started with a mouse.

Chris Lucas is the author of the forthcoming book Top Disney: 100 Top Ten Lists of the Best of Disney, from the Man to the Mouse and Beyond.

Disney Sunday Links: Interesting Reads and More

assembled by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 17, 2019

Here are a few items worth exploring this Sunday regarding alcoholic cocktails at Walt Disney World; the Disney-Fox deal closing; an Indiana Jones update; and Netflix vs. Disney vs. Apple.

Have a Cocktail at Walt Disney World

Conde Nast Traveler provides a rundown on the cocktail options at Walt Disney World. It’s noted, “Whether you’re traveling without kids or because you’re traveling with kids, take note: those 110 Disney World venues that serve alcohol offer some 400 different kinds of beers, 500 types of spirits, and more than 2,000 wines...”

Read more...

Disney-Fox Deal Closing on March 20

The big Hollywood deal with Disney acquiring much of 21^stCentury Fox is set to close on March 20.

Read more...

Indiana Jones Getting an Update at Hollywood Studios

The Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios isn’t going away, as many have assumed over the years, but instead is getting a major update.

Read more...

Netflix vs. Disney vs. ... Apple?

An interesting look by the Mercury Newsof the expanded streaming battles on their way, including Disney+ and Apple’s efforts.

Read more...

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.

Guess Who Just Rehired James Gunn?

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 15, 2019

News just broke from Deadline.com that the Walt Disney Company has rehired James Gunn to direct Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

That’s completely justified. DisneyBizJournal looked at the Gunn firing back in July, and concluded: “Disney should rehire Gunn for Guardians of the Galaxy 3, and at the risk of stating the obvious, free speech and redemption matter deeply to each one of us.”

So, now Gunn is lined up to direct a new Suicide Squad movie for Warner Bros and DC, and then Guardians 3 for Disney/Marvel. Fans of quality superhero films should rejoice.

Investors should be happy as well, given that Guardians of the Galaxy raked in $773 million at the box office, and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 $864 million, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

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 Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story– published in 2018. In addition, the second edition of Warrior Monk: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novelwas published in January 2019. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Putting Disney Park Price Hikes in Perspective

by Ray Keating

Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 15, 2019

So, Disney has decided to hike its theme park ticket prices once more. I’m not exactly going out on a limb in assuming that most people are less than pleased. My addition to the discussion will initially make these same folks a bit more annoyed, but then I offer some additional perspective that might at least somewhat soften the blow.

First, let’s take note of some key details of the Disney price increase. Tourplans.com summed things up is this way for visiting Walt Disney World: “The updated pricing for a one-day ticket still starts at $109 but now tops out at $159. (Yikes!) A 10-day ticket now ranges from $47 per day, all the way to $61 per day. To add on the Park Hopper option, it’s $60-80 more, depending on ticket length. To add the Park Hopper Plus option, it’s $20 more than the Park Hopper on its own. (Park Hopper Plus gets you access to the water parks, Wide World of Sports, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, and the two mini golf courses.)”

MarketWatch also noted: “Historically, Walt Disney World has raised prices annually, typically around February or March. Ticket prices have increased every year since 2015. When the resort opened in 1971, a single-day ticket only cost $3.50.”

Yes, you read that right. When Walt Disney World first opened in October 1971, the price of admission was $3.50 for the day. Now, if we adjust that price for inflation, that equals $21 in today’s dollars.

That’s $21 versus anywhere from $47 to $159 dollars for a one-day admission depending on when one visits. That’s a real (i.e., inflation adjusted) increase of anywhere between 124 percent to 657 percent over the past 47-plus years. 

However, at the same time, real per capita personal disposable income (i.e., personal income minus current taxes adjusted for population and inflation) has grown by 141 percent since October 1971. So, real incomes have risen considerably as well.

And then, of course, it must be recognized that the value one gets today during a visit to Walt Disney World is far superior than it was in 1971, when it had one theme park – the Magic Kingdom – and three resorts. Take a look at a map of Disney World in 1971 versus Walt Disney World in 2014, courtesy of Time. Also, you can compare 1971 to the current list of park, resort and event maps. And here’s a listof what’s been added just to the Magic Kingdom since its opening day. 

Whether talking about rides, shows, food, technology and so on, the experience at Walt Disney World today is like being in another universe compared to what one paid for in 1971.

Obviously, Disney World guests get a much bigger bang for their buck today than in 1971. That’s great news for someone’s vacation – though it’s still a darn expensive vacation for the average family.

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.

Captain Marvel: Big Box Office, But Boring, Flawed Story

by Ray Keating

Review

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 10, 2019

DisneyBizJournal.com Movie Rating: 2 out of 5 stars  

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

Captain Marvel excelled during its opening weekend in terms of box office numbers. The same cannot be said for the movie in terms of story and performances.

(Before I dive into the business and artistic aspects of this movie, it seems necessary to offer a disclaimer. Today, in terms of certain movies that are favored by one political camp or another, negative criticisms often lead to accusations hurled at the critic. In the case of Captain Marvel, criticisms seem to lead to accusations, from certain feminist camps, of the critic being anti-woman. Well, people who have read my novels know very well that they feature strong female characters. So, let’s get back to actual points on the film.)

The opening weekend box office numbers amount to a huge success. As Variety reported, for example, the film’s opening weekend North American box office is estimated at $153 million, and when combined with $302 million internationally, that’s $455 million, which tallies up to “the sixth highest global debut of all time.” Disney obviously has to love these numbers.

As for the movie itself, however, it ranks as one of most boring Marvel films. It lacks the heart that many Marvel movies possess. There is little joy, nor much gravity.

And for the most part, Brie Larson’s performance as Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel is rather flat. She seems to be going through the motions.

And then there are the story problems. (SPOILER ALERT going forward from this point.)

Beyond the problems already noted, the biggest issue from a story standpoint with Captain Marvel is that the character’s enormous powers undermine much of the Marvel movie universe storyline that came before this movie. Captain Marvel is a prequel set in the mid-1990s, and at the end of the movie, Danvers gives Nick Fury the ability to contact her in case of emergency, as she leaves Earth to undertake a mission across the universe. Therefore, throughout all of the enormous threats and, yes, emergencies, that came in the previous Marvel movies, Nick Fury only decided to call on Captain Marvel at the end of Avengers: Infinity War. Really? That’s simply preposterous. Either SHIELD needs a far more competent leader, or this movie needed better writing.

For good measure, in Captain America: Winter Soldier, in a poignant moment, Fury talks about trust. He tells Captain America, “Last time I trusted someone, I lost an eye.” And then we see in Captain Marvel that Fury loses his eye because of a cat. That’s not funny; instead, it’s just an astoundingly poor story choice.

Captain Marvel doesn’t disappoint because of some political agenda being advanced, as some have claimed or might think. Instead, the movie comes up short simply because it’s a flawed, flat story.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the 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.

President Reagan Dedicates Epcot Center

by Chris Lucas

Guest Column

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 8, 2019

On this day in 1983, President Ronald Reagan officially dedicated Epcot Center, which had been already open to the public for five months. This would mark the first time a sitting President was on hand for such an occasion at a Disney park. 

Ronald Reagan was a friend of and shared a lot of personality traits with Walt Disney. One of those was their eternal optimism and belief that tomorrow would bring a better day.

Epcot Center, which opened shortly after Reagan began his first term, was the perfect embodiment of the hopes and dreams both Reagan and Disney held for the future of America and the world. It was only fitting then that Reagan would accept an invitation to help christen Epcot. 

Unfortunately Reagan's busy presidential schedule did not allow him to make the actual opening date of October 1st, 1982, so an alternate date was chosen for a "second grand opening" with the President.

On March 8, 1983, President Reagan arrived at the Walt Disney World resort, escorted by Dick Nunis, president of Walt Disney World, and several hundred math and science students from Central Florida.

President Reagan's first order of business was to take in the American Experience attraction in a theater full of students, which he said he found incredibly moving. (Ever the comedian, Reagan joked at his surprise about seeing the show with all those students and not getting hit with a single spitball.) He then made an afternoon speech at a podium set up right on the World Showcase Lagoon, directly opposite Spaceship Earth.

Reagan's remarks that day dealt mostly with the promise of Epcot and what it meant to his friend, Walt Disney, and to the world. He noted that the Disney Corporation had set up a fellowship program which would allow exchange students from countries featured in the World Showcase to come there and learn about America while also teaching visitors about their home and culture.

The technical side of Epcot was covered when Reagan spoke presciently about the speed of modern computers and how we were soaring into the 21st Century. The students got his attention once again when he pointed out that their aptitude at video games and digital devices would make them better prepared for the future than his generation. The crowd burst into laughter when Reagan pleaded with the youngsters not to tell their parents that the President told them they had his permission to spend all day playing video games.

Reagan followed this with a joke about a student whose teacher scolded him for getting everything wrong on his homework by saying "I don't know how one person could make all those mistakes!" The student's reply: "One person didn't, my Dad helped me make them!"

Finally, President Reagan reached out to the young girls in the group, encouraging them to pursue careers in math and science, citing Sally Ride - who would soon be the first female on the space shuttle - as an example to look up to.

It was a great day and Reagan concluded by telling everyone that he enjoyed his time at Epcot Center and looked forward to returning sometime soon.

Just a few years later, Reagan would be back at Epcot, making history again. On Memorial Day, 1985, he hosted the first Presidential Inauguration Parade outside of Washington, D.C. since the capital was moved there in 1801.

Chris Lucas is the author of the forthcoming book Top Disney: 100 Top Ten Lists of the Best of Disney, from the Man to the Mouse and Beyond.

Get Ray Keating's Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel 

at Amazon.com 

or signed books at www.raykeatingonline.com

Galaxy’s Edge Opening Dates in Disneyland and Hollywood Studios

by Ray Keating

News

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 7, 2019

Disney announced today that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will open in Disneyland on May 31, and in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios on August 29. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance will open later in the year.

D23.com noted a few key points:

• “When you first arrive at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on opening day for phase one, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the sights, sounds, and experiences of Batuu—from the local watering hole, Oga’s Cantina, to the thrilling new attraction Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, which places you in control of the most famous ship in the galaxy as you live out your very own Star Wars story.”

• “If you’re planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park between May 31 and June 23, 2019, you needn’t bring your own protocol droid—but you will need a valid theme park admission and you’ll be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land. More details about reservations will be available on Disneyland.com and the Disney Parks Blog. If you’re staying at any of the three Disneyland Resort hotels, you will receive a designated reservation—one per guest—to access the new land during your stay (if it falls during these dates), and valid theme park admission is required.”

• “When Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29, guests will need valid theme park admission to visit the land (though a reservation will not be offered or required) and capacity is limited. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during Extra Magic Hours, providing guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels the opportunity to enjoy extra time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios experiencing select attractions.”

May the Force be with you ... especially in the queue.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the three latest books being Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Bullish Call on Disney+ Streaming

by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 6, 2019

A J.P. Morgan analyst is bullish – really bullish – on the number of subscribers who will sign up for Disney+. And it’s hard to disagree.

As reported by CNBC, the analyst expects Disney+, which is scheduled to come online later this year, to eventually acquire 160 million global subscribers. That, by the way, would top Netflix’s 139 million.

The analyst, Alexia Quadrani, wrote, “Our confidence in the resilient success of Disney+ comes from the company's unmatched brand recognition, extensive premium content, and unparalleled ecosystem to market the service.” She also noted, “Disney has already shown some disposition to forego short-term revenues in order to develop the streaming business, by pulling content from Netflix once its contract expires at the end of the calendar 2018 film slate.”

MarketWatch also noted that Quadrani expects 75 percent of U.S. households with children under age 18 to sign up, and that “30% of U.S. families without children will sign up for the service due to the presence of Marvel and Star Wars content.”

There have been more than a few voices of doubt as to whether or not Disney can seriously compete with Netflix. I find such skepticism bewildering given the vast content that Disney already owns, how much of that IP has not really been tapped yet, and its near-century-long experience of creating content.

Some might say that Netflix enjoys a kind of first-mover advantage. But streaming services are not about the technology per se at this point – as it advances across the array of telecommunications services – but instead are about the content. Disney has the content, and it’s the favorite to become the streaming market leader.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the three latest books being Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Bob Iger’s Pay Cut

by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 4, 2019

The Walt Disney Company’s CEO Robert Iger has received kudos for the deals he’s mastered that have vastly expanded Disney’s IP portfolio, for moving the company into the streaming business, for theme park expansions, for blockbuster movies, and more. So, what does Iger get for all of this? Well, The Wall Street Journal reported today that he’s taking a pay cut. Talk about ungrateful.

Of course, in reality, no one need be worried about Mr. Iger. He’s still being well compensated.

But this move is still rather interesting. According to the Journal’s reporting on a Disney securities filing, $13.5 million will be removed from Iger’s compensation after the close of the Fox deal. Specifically, “Disney said in a securities filing Monday that it canceled an annual $500,000 base-salary increase, lowered his yearly bonus to $12 million from $20 million, and cut by $5 million his annual, long-term incentive award to $20 million. All of those potential compensation increases were tied to Disney’s acquisition of Fox’s entertainment assets, which the company is expected to close this year.”

However, Iger’s compensation jumped by 81 percent to $65.6 million in the fiscal year that ended this past September. That jump was part of Iger’s deal for staying on as CEO through the end of 2021.

Some shareholder advisory groups weren’t thrilled with that increase, and in March of last year, Iger’s compensation package actually was voted down by shareholders in a nonbinding vote.

The Journal also pointed out that Iger has collected $25 million of a $100 million equity grant. He will only collect the rest of that grant “if the company’s total returns to shareholders outperforms 65% of companies in the S&P 500, up from 50%.”

In the end, Bob is doing just fine. 

But before the usual suspects start complaining about CEO compensation, it pays to keep in mind that very few people are capable of running a company such as Disney, including being responsible to shareholders, facing ever-changing and intensifying competition in a dynamic marketplace, and working on behalf of the company’s more than 200,000 employees. So, please no silly comparisons between Iger’s compensation and what the average Magic Kingdom cast member makes.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the three latest books being Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Disney Sunday Links: Interesting Reads and More

assembled by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 3, 2019

Here are a few items worth exploring this Sunday regarding a deep dive on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge; cast members at Galaxy’s Edge; the best Disney World hotels; and Disney and AT&T in active talks for AT&T’s Hulu share.

Deep Dive on Galaxy’s Edge

StarWars.com offers the most complete and tantalizing take yet on the story and experience of Galaxy’s Edge arriving later this year at Disneyland and Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World.

Read more...

And still more here...

Cast Members Feed Immersion at Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be immersive, including how Disney cast members will be dressed. 

Take a look...

Ranking Disney World Hotels

CNN Travel serves up its rankings of the best Disney World hotels.

Read more...

Disney in Active Talks to Buy AT&T’s Share of Hulu

Variety reported that talks are active between Disney and AT&T to acquire AT&T’s 10% share of Disney. If this deal occurred, and with the Fox acquisition, Disney would control 70% of Hulu. For good measure, Disney is interested in Comcast’s 30%.

Read more...

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the three latest books being Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.

Star Wars Food and Merchandise Landing in a Galaxy Not So Far Away

by Ray Keating

News/Analysis

DisneyBizJournal.com

March 2, 2019

On February 27 and 28, the Walt Disney Company unleashed a flood of information about Galaxy’s Edge lands coming to both Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios later this year, including food options and assorted merchandise.

So, what’s worth highlighting?

Well, when visiting Black Spire Outpost, the stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers, on the planet of Batuu, a variety of eating establishments will be available. As Disney reported:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Chef Strono “Cookie” Tuggs has traveled throughout the galaxy following his longtime gig as the chef at Maz Kanata’s castle on Takodana and brings exotic flavors and unusual dishes to his traveling diner “Tuggs’ Grub.” [This will be a fast-casual restaurant, where diners can dine in the hangar bay or outdoors in a shaded courtyard.]
Ronto Roasters – A recycled podracing engine fires up a spit of exotic meats, meticulously turned by a former smelter droid, 8D-J8. Guests can even sample some of the tasty Ronto fare.
Milk Stand – The place to go to get your farm-fresh blue milk or green milk, direct from Bubo Wamba Family Farms.
Kat Saka’s Kettle – One of the many street market stalls, this grain vendor sells the ever-popular Outpost Mix (sweet and salty popcorn snack with a hint of spice).

As for outposts selling merchandise:

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – For those in the know, Dok-Ondar is the Ithorian you seek for selling and buying rare and uniquely-valued items from across the galaxy and spanning all eras.
Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers – Guests come to the workshop to meet with the Gatherers – a secretive group of people who have dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of Jedi lore and the Force. The workshop Master guides guests to customize and build their own unique lightsabers, and instructs them on the ways of the Jedi.
Droid Depot – Visitors to Mubo’s workshop can choose parts and construct their own individual astromech droids to accompany them on their journey, and then take them home with them.
First Order Cargo – A spaceport hangar bay serves as the temporary base and landing spot for the First Order. First Order officers have brought in crates of gear, uniforms and other supplies to win the hearts and minds of locals and visitors to Black Spire Outpost.
Resistance Supply – Resistance members and local sympathizers oversee a makeshift stall that supplies Resistance uniforms, pins, badges, hats, helmets, jackets, maps, tools, training supplies, food rations and other items.

But there was still more information released over at StarWars.com. For example, there were more detailsabout assorted characters, as well as building one’s own lightsaber:

You’ll even be able to build your own lightsabers and droids at Savi’s Workshop and the Droid Depot, respectively. “Everything was created through the lens of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge,” said Brad Schoeneberg, director, merchandise strategy and new park experience development at Walt Disney World Resort. “The product that you leave with is the one that you’ve designed based on the choices that you’ve made, and reflects the one that really is inherent to your Star Wars adventure.” In a clever in-universe detail, packaging will either fit with the story of the store, or be non-existent. After all, Luke Skywalker built his lightsaber — it didn’t come in a box. And the story continues: your lightsaber will contain a kyber crystal that contains a message that can only be unlocked when paired with a holocron; your droid will know a lot about Black Spire Outpost, and can react to your experiences.

And lots more was served up about food and drink, including:

Beverages will be available at Oga’s Cantina, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, and select stands. They’re colorful, with hues ranging from pink to orange to yellow and beyond: the non-alcoholic Tatooine Sunset, a reddish pink, is tea-based and smooth. Moof Juice, a pinkish fruit juice, is cool and refreshing. Oga’s Obsession falls somewhere between beverage and snack, and tastes the most other-worldly; contained in what looks like a petri dish, you scoop your serving, and the garnish pops in your mouth. The alcoholic selections are sometimes frothy, sometimes steamy, and sometimes delightfully bubbly, like The Fuzzy Tauntaun, The Bespin Fizz, and The Outer Rim. The Bloody Rancor, of course, comes with an edible bone.

Of course, as we know from endless discussions about the movies, many Star Wars fans excel at complaining, but, at least as far as one can tell at this point, even the most jaded Star Wars fan will have a tough time complaining about Galaxy’s Edge. 

Indeed, the big concern about Galaxy’s Edge in both Disneyland and at Hollywood Studios is how the crowds will be handled. That’s the kind of problem any business would like to have.

Ray Keating is the editor, publisher and economist for DisneyBizJournal.com, and author of the Pastor Stephen Grant novels, with the three latest books being Reagan Country: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Storyand Shifting Sands: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story. He can be contacted at raykeating@keatingreports.com.