Disney News, Discussion & an Element of Fun - 2023 Edition

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Part of Team that Created Disney’s First-Ever Military-Inspired Collection

As Disney continues to showcase veterans inside our company, today we salute retired U.S. Navy Captain, Cappy Surette, senior manager of communications for Disney Experiences. Cappy is one of the forces behind Disney’s first-ever military-inspired merchandise collection. This special project was designed by the Disney Parks Merchandise team to honor and celebrate those who serve our country with a unique and bespoke Disney touch.

US Navy personnel in front of trees and ocean

Cappy joined The Walt Disney Company in 2012 following the launch of the company’s Heroes Work Here hiring initiative. As a communications leader, he has been a part of unveiling so much new magic for our guests across Disney global theme parks, Disney Cruise line and more. From the debut New Fantasyland inside Magic Kingdom Park to the opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the creation of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, the launch of the Disney Wish cruise ship and more, Cappy has witnessed Disney bringing beloved stories to life in many ways for more than a decade. He also loves to see the magic of Disney extend outside of the parks, as many guests make sure to bring their favorite Disney merch home with them after every visit.

Before his time at Disney, Cappy spent 22 years in the U.S. Navy. After serving several years on the USS Leyte Gulf cruiser, he later transitioned into a public affairs role where he became the U.S. Navy liaison to Hollywood, working on several exciting TV and film projects. A fond memory and achievement Cappy is proud of is his work coordinating and hosting some of the largest entertainment events at sea in U.S. Navy history. The live, celebrity-filled events included a holiday show and football pregame shows filmed on an aircraft carrier in the Mediterranean Sea.

US Navy personnel on ship in front of jet

“They were quite the events and took quite an amount of teamwork to pull them off. They made such a big impact and it felt great to be a part of it all, to make it all happen and be trusted by leadership,” Cappy shared.

Cappy’s experience as a Captain in the Navy shaped his personal life and the way he leads at Disney. “The biggest thing I think I’ve taken from being in the Navy is that you’ve got to take care of your team,” Cappy said. “I try to practice ‘the three T’s’ in all parts of my life. They are to train your team well, trust your team, and always be sure to thank your team for the work that they do.”

Disney Salute Members with Launchpad McQuack

A Special Collection to Honor Veterans

Part of Cappy’s job as a senior manager of communications for Disney Experiences is planning events and sharing stories that celebrate Disney’s Veteran cast members and their families. “Disney has honored those who have served our country throughout the 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company. That began with our founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, and their own contributions to our country during the First World War,” Cappy explained.

Disney has long been a leading proponent of hiring, training, and supporting military veterans and their families. One of the ways the company is recognizing the honor and courage of those who have worn the uniform and their families was the development of a new military-inspired collection that launched for National Veterans and Military Families Month. Cappy was part of the team that brought it to life.

As the current co-chair and a founding member of SALUTE, Disney’s veteran business employee resource group (BERG), the idea of having a line of military-inspired merchandise has been something the SALUTE team has discussed for some time. “It’s just a natural extension of Disney’s enduring admiration for those who serve in the U.S. military and their families. It’s another way for us to say thank you and recognize the honor and courage of those in the Armed Forces,” Cappy shared. Cappy and the SALUTE team worked with key merchandise leaders in the company to bring the idea to life and to store shelves, delivering some Disney magic to those connected to military service.

Green Camouflage hat with honor embroidered on it

With such excitement building among cast and fans, the launch of the collection saw a line of guests at Walt Disney World Resort locations wanting to be one of the very first to sport the new line.

The collection consists of six items, including two T-shirts, a fleece sweatshirt, a bandana, a canteen, and a cap. All these items have elements of military camouflage. What’s special about the camouflage is that it is designed by Disney and includes hidden Mickey’s blended throughout for a unique and special Disney touch. The Disney-camouflage pattern reflects our company’s respect and admiration for U.S. military service members, veterans, and their families.

Group photo with camouflage shirts in front of Liberty Bell at Disney's Magic Kingdom

This new collection is timed to National Veterans and Military Families Month and is currently available at select locations at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. Locations include The Emporium at Magic Kingdom, Creations at EPCOT, Mickey’s of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, World of Disney at Disney Springs in Florida, The Emporium at Disneyland park, Elias & Co. at Disney California Adventure park and World of Disney at Downtown Disney in California. Theme Park admission and park reservation is required for park entry.

Mannequin wearing green pull over sweatshirt with Camouflage Mickey
Mannequin wearing camouflage gear with a water bottle

Sound Advice for Continuing the Mission

As Cappy reflects on his time at Disney, his pride in working with an incredible team on the new military-inspired collection, and the evolution and expansion of the SALUTE BERG, he highlights the company’s desire to provide a sense of community for those who have an affiliation with the military. Whether cast members have served in uniform, or they continue to serve in the military reserves while working at Disney, or whether they come from a military family, Disney has a continued commitment toward bettering the lives and experiences of military members. It is a significant part of the company’s founding values.

Cappy is proud to be a mentor inside and outside of the company to those who are transitioning out of the military service. He aims to help them afford the opportunities to have meaningful post-military careers and finds meaning in helping others be successful in the mission they are trying to pursue.

US Navy Veteran giving a speech in front of Veterans Institute Sign

Cappy bestows the advice he often provides to veterans and military service members preparing for the next chapter of their life story. He shares “it’s important to start early to think about what’s over the horizon, what skills and abilities they have that would lend themselves to what’s next after serving in the military. Be intentional about what they may be interested in and develop the skills that would be required to pursue that.”
 




New Discoveries Await in North Carolina at Asteria, a Storyliving by Disney Community

Today is an exciting day for Storyliving by Disney! We’re sharing a first look at plans for Asteria, a new Storyliving by Disney residential community coming to life in the heart of North Carolina near Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

Inspired by the spirit of discovery, the Asteria community is being designed to encourage exploration, spark life-long learning and create new connections for future residents.

Rendering of the new Asteria, a Storyliving by Disney Community, coming to North Carolina

The Storyliving by Disney team has been working closely with Disney Imagineers and DMB Development to develop a unique vision for this community inspired by Walt Disney’s innate curiosity and passion for learning.

Walt once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Influenced by Walt’s perspective and the nearby universities in North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle, the Asteria community is envisioned as a campus of discovery – where future residents can learn and grow, bringing a touch of Disney magic into their everyday lives in a way that only Storyliving by Disney communities can.

There are so many exciting new discoveries ahead for the all-new Asteria community! Here are three things we can’t wait to explore:

Adventure is Out There: Discovering the Beauty of North Carolina

The Asteria community will bring Storyliving by Disney to an entirely new setting on the East Coast – North Carolina! The community will come to life on approximately 1,500 acres in picturesque Chatham County, just outside the state’s vibrant capital of Raleigh.

People wlaking and jogging through the woods on a paved path, a lday walking a dog

North Carolina’s rich landscape and history are at the heart of Walt Disney Imagineering’s initial planning work alongside DMB Development. Disney Imagineers are pulling inspiration from the area to imagine spaces where nature is always on display, blurring the lines of indoor and outdoor living. To encourage exploration, the community will feature acres of neighborhood parks and miles of beautiful walking and biking trails where residents can connect with the fauna and flora of the outdoors.

In fact, the name Asteria pays homage to the native North Carolina aster flower. The flower is also the namesake of the goddess Asteria. In Greek mythology, Asteria’s tears of stardust fell to the Earth and sprouted the first aster flowers. Disney Imagineers chose the community’s name to honor North Carolina’s natural beauty from the Earth to the sky.

Life-Long Learning: Resident Amenities Designed to Spark Curiosity

Asteria community homeowners will become part of a club with amenities and programming designed to encourage learning and connectivity – both with their fellow neighbors and the outdoors.

The club is planned to include a variety of spaces for residents to gather and pursue new interests including a wellness and recreation center, restaurant, sport courts, swimming pools, community garden and plenty of outdoor space for lawn games, events and fire pits.

Beyond beautiful gathering spaces, the club will feature enrichment programming only Disney can deliver. Some of the experiences the team is dreaming up include family fun days with Disney-themed games and activities, storytelling dinners inspired by classic Disney tales and classes with Disney artists.

Starting a New Story: The Asteria Community Lifestyle

The Asteria community will offer future residents distinctive Disney placemaking and outstanding customer service thanks in part to contributions from the creativity of Disney Imagineers. A range of home styles will line quaint streets leading to a mix of community amenities specifically designed to showcase the area’s surrounding natural beauty. There are plans for more than 4,000 residential units, including single-family and multi-family homes, with some home sites specifically designated for 55+ adults.

Ideally situated near Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham in the town of Pittsboro, future Asteria community residents will have access to big-city amenities with the charm of a small town. The Asteria community will be part of the larger, award-winning Chatham Park master-planned community.

23487tyo82guk3fe67ityguk23t435h4t.jpg

The Asteria community is in the beginning stages of planning with Walt Disney Imagineering and DMB Development. Homes in the community will be built by select homebuilders with sales anticipated to begin by 2027. Additional details including an option to join the community’s email list can be found by visiting storylivingbydisney.com/asteria.
 
New Discoveries Await in North Carolina at Asteria, a Storyliving by Disney Community

Today is an exciting day for Storyliving by Disney! We’re sharing a first look at plans for Asteria, a new Storyliving by Disney residential community coming to life in the heart of North Carolina near Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

Inspired by the spirit of discovery, the Asteria community is being designed to encourage exploration, spark life-long learning and create new connections for future residents.

Rendering of the new Asteria, a Storyliving by Disney Community, coming to North Carolina

The Storyliving by Disney team has been working closely with Disney Imagineers and DMB Development to develop a unique vision for this community inspired by Walt Disney’s innate curiosity and passion for learning.

Walt once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Influenced by Walt’s perspective and the nearby universities in North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle, the Asteria community is envisioned as a campus of discovery – where future residents can learn and grow, bringing a touch of Disney magic into their everyday lives in a way that only Storyliving by Disney communities can.

There are so many exciting new discoveries ahead for the all-new Asteria community! Here are three things we can’t wait to explore:

Adventure is Out There: Discovering the Beauty of North Carolina

The Asteria community will bring Storyliving by Disney to an entirely new setting on the East Coast – North Carolina! The community will come to life on approximately 1,500 acres in picturesque Chatham County, just outside the state’s vibrant capital of Raleigh.

People wlaking and jogging through the woods on a paved path, a lday walking a dog

North Carolina’s rich landscape and history are at the heart of Walt Disney Imagineering’s initial planning work alongside DMB Development. Disney Imagineers are pulling inspiration from the area to imagine spaces where nature is always on display, blurring the lines of indoor and outdoor living. To encourage exploration, the community will feature acres of neighborhood parks and miles of beautiful walking and biking trails where residents can connect with the fauna and flora of the outdoors.

In fact, the name Asteria pays homage to the native North Carolina aster flower. The flower is also the namesake of the goddess Asteria. In Greek mythology, Asteria’s tears of stardust fell to the Earth and sprouted the first aster flowers. Disney Imagineers chose the community’s name to honor North Carolina’s natural beauty from the Earth to the sky.

Life-Long Learning: Resident Amenities Designed to Spark Curiosity

Asteria community homeowners will become part of a club with amenities and programming designed to encourage learning and connectivity – both with their fellow neighbors and the outdoors.

The club is planned to include a variety of spaces for residents to gather and pursue new interests including a wellness and recreation center, restaurant, sport courts, swimming pools, community garden and plenty of outdoor space for lawn games, events and fire pits.

Beyond beautiful gathering spaces, the club will feature enrichment programming only Disney can deliver. Some of the experiences the team is dreaming up include family fun days with Disney-themed games and activities, storytelling dinners inspired by classic Disney tales and classes with Disney artists.

Starting a New Story: The Asteria Community Lifestyle

The Asteria community will offer future residents distinctive Disney placemaking and outstanding customer service thanks in part to contributions from the creativity of Disney Imagineers. A range of home styles will line quaint streets leading to a mix of community amenities specifically designed to showcase the area’s surrounding natural beauty. There are plans for more than 4,000 residential units, including single-family and multi-family homes, with some home sites specifically designated for 55+ adults.

Ideally situated near Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham in the town of Pittsboro, future Asteria community residents will have access to big-city amenities with the charm of a small town. The Asteria community will be part of the larger, award-winning Chatham Park master-planned community.

23487tyo82guk3fe67ityguk23t435h4t.jpg

The Asteria community is in the beginning stages of planning with Walt Disney Imagineering and DMB Development. Homes in the community will be built by select homebuilders with sales anticipated to begin by 2027. Additional details including an option to join the community’s email list can be found by visiting storylivingbydisney.com/asteria.
That's just a couple of counties over from us. I guess now I gotta figure out how to tell DH that we're selling the house and our commute is going to get a bit longer 🤣
 
New Discoveries Await in North Carolina at Asteria, a Storyliving by Disney Community

Today is an exciting day for Storyliving by Disney! We’re sharing a first look at plans for Asteria, a new Storyliving by Disney residential community coming to life in the heart of North Carolina near Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.

Inspired by the spirit of discovery, the Asteria community is being designed to encourage exploration, spark life-long learning and create new connections for future residents.

Rendering of the new Asteria, a Storyliving by Disney Community, coming to North Carolina

The Storyliving by Disney team has been working closely with Disney Imagineers and DMB Development to develop a unique vision for this community inspired by Walt Disney’s innate curiosity and passion for learning.

Walt once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

Influenced by Walt’s perspective and the nearby universities in North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle, the Asteria community is envisioned as a campus of discovery – where future residents can learn and grow, bringing a touch of Disney magic into their everyday lives in a way that only Storyliving by Disney communities can.

There are so many exciting new discoveries ahead for the all-new Asteria community! Here are three things we can’t wait to explore:

Adventure is Out There: Discovering the Beauty of North Carolina

The Asteria community will bring Storyliving by Disney to an entirely new setting on the East Coast – North Carolina! The community will come to life on approximately 1,500 acres in picturesque Chatham County, just outside the state’s vibrant capital of Raleigh.

People wlaking and jogging through the woods on a paved path, a lday walking a dog

North Carolina’s rich landscape and history are at the heart of Walt Disney Imagineering’s initial planning work alongside DMB Development. Disney Imagineers are pulling inspiration from the area to imagine spaces where nature is always on display, blurring the lines of indoor and outdoor living. To encourage exploration, the community will feature acres of neighborhood parks and miles of beautiful walking and biking trails where residents can connect with the fauna and flora of the outdoors.

In fact, the name Asteria pays homage to the native North Carolina aster flower. The flower is also the namesake of the goddess Asteria. In Greek mythology, Asteria’s tears of stardust fell to the Earth and sprouted the first aster flowers. Disney Imagineers chose the community’s name to honor North Carolina’s natural beauty from the Earth to the sky.

Life-Long Learning: Resident Amenities Designed to Spark Curiosity

Asteria community homeowners will become part of a club with amenities and programming designed to encourage learning and connectivity – both with their fellow neighbors and the outdoors.

The club is planned to include a variety of spaces for residents to gather and pursue new interests including a wellness and recreation center, restaurant, sport courts, swimming pools, community garden and plenty of outdoor space for lawn games, events and fire pits.

Beyond beautiful gathering spaces, the club will feature enrichment programming only Disney can deliver. Some of the experiences the team is dreaming up include family fun days with Disney-themed games and activities, storytelling dinners inspired by classic Disney tales and classes with Disney artists.

Starting a New Story: The Asteria Community Lifestyle

The Asteria community will offer future residents distinctive Disney placemaking and outstanding customer service thanks in part to contributions from the creativity of Disney Imagineers. A range of home styles will line quaint streets leading to a mix of community amenities specifically designed to showcase the area’s surrounding natural beauty. There are plans for more than 4,000 residential units, including single-family and multi-family homes, with some home sites specifically designated for 55+ adults.

Ideally situated near Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Durham in the town of Pittsboro, future Asteria community residents will have access to big-city amenities with the charm of a small town. The Asteria community will be part of the larger, award-winning Chatham Park master-planned community.

23487tyo82guk3fe67ityguk23t435h4t.jpg

The Asteria community is in the beginning stages of planning with Walt Disney Imagineering and DMB Development. Homes in the community will be built by select homebuilders with sales anticipated to begin by 2027. Additional details including an option to join the community’s email list can be found by visiting storylivingbydisney.com/asteria.
Wow, how many of these communities are they planning on building?

For Cotino, a third party is developing and selling the homes. Disney is branding and managing the community, whatever that means. There are extra fees for access to clubs and amenities, but nothing (other than owning the home) appears exclusive to Cotino residents.

"Club membership, programming, and access and use of future proposed amenities and offerings, will require payment of dues and/or fees

Home purchase does not grant access to Cotino Bay or its beaches; use will require separate fees and access.

No representation is made as to whether the Town Center will be constructed.

No guarantee is made that the community, the Club or any facilities or improvements therein will continue to be managed by Disney, use the name "Disney" or otherwise be associated with Disney."
 
Disneyland After Dark 2024: More ‘Nites’ Than Ever Before

Many Disneyland Resort guests love attending our Disneyland After Dark events. If you’re not familiar, Disneyland After Dark events are separately-ticketed, themed evenings that include after-hours theme park and ride access (often with less wait times!), unique entertainment, beloved and sometimes rare character appearances, specialty food, beverage, and merchandise offerings, and so much more! We are thrilled that in 2024, we will hold more Disneyland After Dark ‘nites’ than ever before, with some popular themes returning, plus an all-new one…Disney Channel Nite!

Each Disneyland After Dark event begins with a three-hour pre-party mix-in at Disneyland park from 6 to 9 p.m. PT before the party officially begins. In addition to all the themed fun brought to life just for the party, your admission also includes commemorative keepsakes such as a souvenir credential and an event guide map, plus unlimited digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos taken throughout the party, which is a great way for you to capture treasured memories.

Whether you’re a romantic at heart, a nostalgic Disney Channel enthusiast, Star Wars devotee or want to show your Pride – these limited-time offerings are made for you! Here’s the 2024 line-up.

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite 2024

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite
Jan. 23, 25, 30, Feb. 1, 6, 8, 12 & 14, 2024, at Disneyland Park

Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite celebrates the love all around us on eight different nights in Disneyland. Plan a dreamy rendez-vous, besties night, or start a family tradition at these sensational soirées. Sweethearts’ Nite will include many heartwarming offerings:

  • A royal cavalcade will make its way through Disneyland park, offering an enchanting gathering of some of Disney’s favorite royals, transported by equally splendid equines.
  • Near “it’s a small world,” dance along with princesses, princes and Disney characters at the evening’s royal ball.
  • Stitch and Angel will host their very own dance party at the stage in Tomorrowland. Join them throughout the night to dance and sing to some awesome beats!
  • Throughout the park, unique photo backdrops will offer you an opportunity to step inside some of Disney’s iconic scenes of love and friendship, including “Lady and the Tramp,” “Tangled,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Aladdin,” and more.
  • Divine lighting, fabulous projections and the music of Disney love songs create the ultimate atmosphere for romance, friendship and family throughout the park.
  • Enjoy many sweet treats to indulge in and themed savory items available throughout the park, created especially for Sweethearts’ Nite. New offerings will include the shortbread cookie churro with strawberry cheesecake dipping sauce and the Café Daisy fried heart-shaped ravioli, plus some returning and reimagined favorites like the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe Chocolate & Strawberry-stuffed croissant.
  • Plus, specialty menu items will also be available at Plaza Inn, Cafe Orleans, River Belle Terrace and Carnation Café, subject to availability. Reservations are recommended and can be booked online soon. Keep your eyes on Disneyland.com/Dining.
A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Sweethearts’ Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 12, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com. On Dec. 14, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability.*

Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite 2024

Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite
Mar. 5 & 7, 2024, at Disneyland Park

Get ready for this all-new, nostalgic celebration as Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite comes to life, highlighting themed offerings from favorite Disney Channel shows across various eras of programming with fantastic music, memorable characters, high-energy parties, unique photo opportunities, and more! Join in the fun with fellow Disney Channel fans with great offerings including:

  • The “High School Musical” pep rally will take place through the streets of Disneyland park celebrating the songs from the beloved “High School Musical” franchise.
  • The “Phineas and Ferb dance party at the stage in Tomorrowland will be a high-energy dance party, complete with a DJ and appearances by your favorite “Phineas and Ferb” characters!
  • “Camp Rock” karaoke will allow you to sing favorite songs, and The Ultimate Disney Channel Trivia Challenge will test true Disney Channel fans, all in the cozy atmosphere of The Golden Horseshoe.
  • “Descendants” at the Rivers of America will invite you to take a cruise on the Sailing Ship Columbia and enjoy music from the “Descendants” trilogy.
  • Opportunities to step into imaginative photo backdrops representing favorite Disney Channel shows and movies, including “Lizzie McGuire,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Teen Beach Movie” and more, will make you the star!
  • Enjoy specially themed foods and snacks all evening long. A few items to expect are the mini banana burritos and tropical banana punch at Red Rose Taverne, plus chili cheese loaded nachos, and s’mores donut skewer from Café Daisy. Additionally, specialty dining packages will be available, too – more details coming to Disneyland.com, soon.
A limited number of Disneyland After Dark: Disney Channel Nite tickets will go on pre-sale for Magic Key holders beginning Dec. 12, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT) on Disneyland.com. On Dec. 14, 2023 (no earlier than 9 a.m. PT), tickets will go on sale to the general public and are subject to availability. *

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite 2024

Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite
April 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, May 2, 7 & 9, 2024 at Disneyland Park

Star Wars Nites are back, with more nights than ever before! Prepare to launch your course for a galactic adventure like no other. Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nites will take place during Season of the Force, happening at Disneyland park from April 5 – June 2.

On sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Star Wars Nite are forthcoming, so keep your eyes on the Disney Parks Blog in the coming months.

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite 2024

Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite
June 18 & 20, 2024 at Disneyland Park

Last year, Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite came to life for the very first time, and it’s back in 2024 with entertainment, colorful characters, photo opps and more on two spectacular evenings in June at Disneyland park!

Stay tuned for on-sale dates and additional details for Disneyland After Dark: Pride Nite in the coming months.
 
Disney+ Adds Hulu Content for Bundle Subscribers in Beta Launch — but Not Everything From Hulu Is Available
Get ready to see “The Kardashians” standing next to Baby Yoda on your Disney+ home screen.

Beginning Dec. 6, the significant majority of Hulucontent will be available on Disney+ in the U.S. for subscribers of both services. It’s phase one of the Disney+/Hulu integration plan, first outlined by CEO Bob Iger earlier this year. The initial “beta” of Hulu on Disney+ will be followed by the launch of a more integrated version in March 2024.

Disney’s expectation is that by mixing Hulu programming into Disney+, customers will spend more time overall watching stuff — thereby cutting churn and customer-acquisition costs, as Iger said on the company’s earnings call last month. Next year, the Mouse House intends to begin promoting Disney+/Hulu bundles more aggressively.

A priority for Disney with the beta launch is to give Disney+ subscribers with kids time to familiarize themselves with the service’s parental controls, given that Hulu’s lineup includes shows with mature themes and F-bombs like FX drama “The Bear,” Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story” franchise, reality show “The Kardashians,” and the award-winning “A Handmaid’s Tale.” (Watch a video below from Disney+ about parental controls.)

However, Hulu subscribers with Disney+ probably won’t want to delete their Hulu apps just yet. For starters, certain licensing-rights restrictions will keep some Hulu titles off Disney+ (both for the beta and the full launch next March). Those include ABC’s hit sitcom “Modern Family” and ITV’s reality dating show “Love Island.” In addition, Disney+ will not provide access to the linear channels in the Hulu + Live TV virtual pay-TV package. For the foreseeable future, those will remain available only through Hulu’s family of apps.

Another limitation in the beta: If you’re watching a show from Hulu on Disney+, the Hulu app won’t track your viewing — so, for example, if you start “Only Murders in the Building” in one app, the other won’t know where you left off. Disney hopes to sync that up with the March 2024 release.

Longer term, Disney plans to also add the ability for customers of both services to watch Disney+ programming in Hulu’s app. But today there’s no timeline for when that will happen.

With the beta rollout this week, Hulu on Disney+ will automatically appear for subscribers who are using the same email address for their accounts on each service; bundle subscribers can contact Disney+ customer service to link their Hulu account if they have a different email.

For bundle subscribers, a Hulu tile will appear on the Disney+ home screen, which will lead to the “Hulu hub” with movies, TV series and originals for playback within Disney+. Hulu content will appear in the Hulu hub, the carousel on the Disney+ home screen, as well as the watchlist, continue watching row and via search. The Hulu hub on Disney+ also will include sections for content from TV networks including ABC, FX, Freeform, A&E, MTV, Nickelodeon, History and more.

The second phase of Hulu on Disney+ in March 2024 will add full integration of Hulu content onto Disney+ home page, with personalized recommendations, curated collections and increased visibility of Hulu content throughout the interface. At that point, Disney also plans to try to upsell Disney+ subs who do not have Hulu to subscribe to both.

Hulu boasts an on-demand lineup of more than 70,000 TV episodes and movies, including series “Only Murders in the Building,” “The Bear,” “The Kardashians,” “Futurama” and “Abbott Elementary,” as well as original films like “Vacation Friends 2,” “No One Will Save You” and “Fresh.” The service recently added full series runs of older TV hits “New Girl,” “Moonlighting” and “Who’s the Boss.”

Meanwhile, Disney is still in the midst of closing a deal with Comcast to acquire full ownership of Hulu. The company this month paid $8.61 billion to Comcast, which holds a 33% stake in Hulu. The final price tag — which could be much higher — will be based on an assessment of Hulu’s market value as of Sept. 30 by each side’s bankers. For now, Disney has no plans to launch Hulu as a brand outside the U.S. even after it gains 100% ownership.

Watch Disney+’s new video about how to set up parental controls, now that adult-rated content from Hulu is available on the service:


And here’s a promo spot for the beta launch of Hulu on Disney+:

 
Don't. Learn the lesson of Celebration and what happened once Disney sold it off.
Oh, I was joking anyway. I doubt the homes will be affordable, plus DH isn't going to trade a 10 min commute to the office for a 45 min lol. But I do hope these new communities in CA and now NC won't have any such issues. Hopefully Disney has learned the lesson themselves. We shall see.
 
Thanks for those posts. I wondered the same thing. Being local (but not living in Celebration) I've wondered about the place. From what we can see driving to/from some of the restaurants and medical facilities, it's a lovely place. It appears to be well maintained and the schools are reported to be very good.

I'm mystified by complaints about Celebration, but then again we are happy in our home despite all the discussion that goes on about our HOA.
 
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort debuts new holiday attractions, including Elf Outpost and Tales from the North Pole

This year's holiday season celebration includes:

NEW – Elf Outpost

Santa's elves have set up shop at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin – and they're happy to show you around! Join Santa's elves for a tour of their Elf Outpost, including the toy workshop and bakery, where guests can enjoy complimentary cookie decorating. The fully stocked toy workshop will also offer crafts and toys for purchase.

NEW – Tales from the North Pole

Twice nightly, the elves will treat guests to milk and cookies and a special reading of the Christmas classic, "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," wishing a merry Christmas to all and a good night to all. Families will also receive their own book to take home. (Paid experience.)

Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet and Greets

Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Kandy Kane, decked out in their favorite Florida vacation attire, will meet guests in Santa's customized Tiki hut on select nights Nov - Dec. This unique holiday photo opportunity is filled with Florida flair featuring reindeer, palm trees, flamingos and holiday cheer.

Life-Size Chocolate Holiday Santa Scene

Constructed entirely of chocolate, this life-size sculpture weighs approximately 2,000 pounds! The sculpture is showcased in the lobby of the Swan. It features a chocolate Santa sitting in his chair, a 7-foot-tall, 400-pound chocolate nutcracker, a chocolate fireplace, a chocolate Christmas tree, and a chocolate toy train. The scene will be displayed in the lobby of the resort throughout December and is 100 percent edible.


Magic Keys for Santa on Christmas Eve

How will Santa deliver presents to each guest room without a chimney? With a magic key of course! Children can hang a magic key on their door to help Santa find his way on Christmas Eve. Magic keys are available on December 24 at the concierge desk.

Dancing Lights Show

A musical light show transforms the outdoor causeway each evening into a holiday spectacle with dancing illuminated palm trees and favorite holiday tunes. The performances occur regularly from sunset through 10 pm.

Save 25%

Swan and Dolphin guests are on the nice list this year, and can receive up to 25 percent off a second room with code SANTA.
 

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