Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge Will Serve Alcohol
Shocking or not? Disneyland’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge will being serving adult beverages. Well, not throughout the whole land, just at Oga’s Cantina. While some are struggling with the announcement, others see it as a natural addition. Keeping with the theming and the fact that its a hot spot for smugglers and such, serving alcohol just makes sense. On the other hand what does it really add to the theme park experience? Walt himself didn’t want alcohol served in his park and at one point, the goal was to keep all Castle parks dry parks…somehow that has drastically changed. The Orange County Register did point out that guests visiting Oga’s must finish the adult beverages in the cantina, they can’t leave with a drink in hand.
Walt Disney World Reaches Tentative Agreement with Union
After nearly a year of negotiation with its largest union, Service Trades Council, Disney and union leaders settled on an agreement. The new wage contract would go into effect in December with minimum wages for Walt Disney World union workers starting at $11/hour. The minimum wage would then increase yearly through October 2021, where it would reach $15/hour. The proposed deal isn’t official just yet. Union cast members will vote on the agreement September 5th and 6th of this next week.
Anaheim City Council Votes to Release Disney From City Assistance Incentives
First, Disney puts its Luxury hotel project on hold due to a spat with the city of Anaheim. Then, they ask to be released of the two tax incentives they receive from the city. Even Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait was surprised by this bold move on Disney’s part. Anaheim City Council met this week and voted unanimously to release Disney from city assistance. What this means for Disney and the minimum wage initiative on the November ballot remains to be seen.
Disneyland Shares First Look at The Tropical Hideaway
Guests visiting Disneyland will soon have the opportunity to check out Adventureland’s new Tropical Hideaway. The quick service lounge located near Jungle Cruise will provide incredible views in a tropical surrounding. This week the Disney Parks Blog shared a glimpse of menu offerings coming to the restaurant including three types of bao and pineapple lumpia.
Sammy Duvall’s Water Sports Centre Closes
Did you know that there was a Water Sports Centre at the Contemporary Resort? Emphasis on the was. After two decades of providing water sports lessons for Walt Disney World guests, Sammy Duvall’s has closed. The company’s posted a message on their Facebook page stating that they their last day of operation would be August 31st. The post also read, “It has been a joy to share the sport we love with everyone along the way!” While they did not give a reason for their closure, guests were informed that any scheduled activities beyond August would be refunded.
Minnie Van Services to Orlando Airport Now Available to All Resort Hotel Guests
Since the introduction of Minnie Van shuttle service last year, Disney has slowly been expanding their fleet and destinations. Using the ride sharing app, Lyft, Walt Disney World Resort guests can request a Minnie Van to take them anywhere on property. This week, the Disney Parks Blog announced that guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel could now use the Minnie Van service for transportation to the Orlando airport. While the on-property ride service Minnie Vans can be ordered via the Lyft app, reservations for the airport shuttle must be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Disney also offers complimentary airport service via the Magical Express bus should guests prefer that option.
Other Stories of Note
Production beings on Roseanne spinoff, The Conners. The new series started production this week featuring the entire Conner family, sans Roseanne. John Goodman who plays dad and granddad, Dan Conner confirmed that Roseanne’s character will be killed off before the season premieres.
Disney Cruise Line makes changes. Along with announcing a new Payment and Cancellation Policy, Port Canaveral’s CEO says Disney Cruise Line has plans to home port two of their new ships at Central Florida port.
Matt Smith reportedly joins cast of Star Wars: Episode IX. If reports are true and accurate, The Eleventh Doctor’s regeneration has sent him to a galaxy far, far away. Doctor Who alum, Matt Smith will have a significant role in the final installment of the Skywalker saga which is currently in production.
Richard Sherman guest curates a playlist for the Play Disney Parks App. The interactive Play Disney Parks app is full on trivia and games that guests can enjoy when visiting the parks. Along with games and challenges, the app also features park specific playlists via Apple Music. Be sure to check out the Disney Parks Hits playlist selected by Disney Legend Richard Sherman.