AUTHOR: Jackie Gailey

Senior Editor for The DIS and DCL Fan | Disney Vacation Club Member | Thrilled to have been a '13/'14 planDisney Panelist | Lover of all things Disney; the Magic of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and especially Disney Cruise Line | ºoº



New Board Chair Elected for SeaWorld

Since previous Board Chairman David D’Alessandro did not get the majority of votes from shareholders back in June, SeaWorld has announced their new Board Chairman. The board has elected Yoshikazu Maruyama to take over beginning October 9, 2017. According to the press release, Maruyama “brings over 20 years of global theme park and family entertainment … New Board Chair Elected for SeaWorld



‘Disney After Hours’ Will Return to Magic Kingdom Park in 2018

Guests who attended Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park earlier this year were thrilled with the experiences they had at the event. Guests reported that they particularly enjoyed having nearly immediate access to attractions and character greetings. So, back by very popular demand, the special, hard-ticketed event is coming back and will take place … ‘Disney After Hours’ Will Return to Magic Kingdom Park in 2018



New Chocolate Sweet Treats from The Ganachery Arrive Just in Time for Fall

With the first day of the Fall season creeping up on us, the chocolatiers at The Ganachery at Disney Springs have whipped up various new fall-inspired chocolate sweet treats, starting with a tasty take on traditional hot cocoa. The sipping chocolate pictured below is served with vanilla bean whipped cream sprinkled with dark chocolate crispy … New Chocolate Sweet Treats from The Ganachery Arrive Just in Time for Fall





Celebrate Fiestas Patrias on Sept. 16 at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot

Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 – October 15 and the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot is kicking it off by having their Fiestas Patrias celebrating Mexican Independence this Saturday, September 16, 2017. Guests and their families who are vacationing at Walt Disney World this weekend will be able to join Cast Members at … Celebrate Fiestas Patrias on Sept. 16 at the Mexico Pavilion in Epcot



New 2017 Disney Food & Wine Festivals Coast to Coast Cookbook Introduced

Disney Parks has just introduced, for the first time ever, their 2017 “Disney Food & Wine Festival Coast-to-Coast Cookbook.” This new cookbook will take guests coast to coast to the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival that takes place each Spring at the Disneyland Resort and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, that … New 2017 Disney Food & Wine Festivals Coast to Coast Cookbook Introduced



Disney Postpones Release Date on ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

Star Wars: Episode XI was originally supposed to hit theatres on May 24, 2019, but along with yet another new director, a new release date has just been announced. The official release date has been bumped up to December 20, 2019. We’ve also learned that the live-action adaptation of Aladdin will hit theatres on May 24, 2019.



The Walt Disney Company Makes a 2.5 Million Dollar Commitment to Hurricane Irma Relief

The Walt Disney Company has announced their commitment of $2.5 million to assist those affected by Hurricane Irma. The funds will help the response and recovery efforts of the American Red Cross, UNICEF, Save the Children, and other non-profit organizations. “As millions of people now face the daunting challenge of putting their lives and communities … The Walt Disney Company Makes a 2.5 Million Dollar Commitment to Hurricane Irma Relief





Francis Xavier ‘X’ Atencio, Disney Animator and Imagineer, Passes Away at Age 98

Disney Legend Xavier “X” Atencio, a former Imagineer and Disney animator who helped bring the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion attractions at Disneyland to life, has passed away at the age of 98. X, as his friends called him, worked for Disney from 1938 to 1984. X left the studio briefly during … Francis Xavier ‘X’ Atencio, Disney Animator and Imagineer, Passes Away at Age 98