AUTHOR: Leah Zanolla

Leah grew up in a little farming town in Illinois, right on the Mississippi River. Her Chicago-born husband, David, left the city for her, and they're now raising their three children (Jacob, Jonah and Lydia) just 12 miles from her hometown. As the Senior Editor of the DIS (wdwinfo.com), Leah spends a lot of time writing about, reading about, and discussing Disney. So, it should come as no surprise that one of her family's favorite ways to spend time is going to Walt Disney World and traveling on Disney Cruise Line. She also enjoys shopping, watching movies with her husband and doing crafts with and for her kids.



Disney Springs’ Planet Hollywood Observatory to open next week?

The Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs is once again announcing a date for possible opening. A restaurant employee told the Orlando Sentinel that reservations would be open for as early as January 22. After closing in January 2016 for the refurb, the location was originally supposed to open in June 2016, but that date Disney Springs’ Planet Hollywood Observatory to open next week?





Disney CEO Bob Iger receives lower salary compensation in 2016 than 2015

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger’s 2016 salary total was down slightly from his 2015 salary. In 2016, he made $43.9 million; his 2015 salary was $44.9 million. Disney filed paperwork this week with the Securities and Exchange Commission releasing these numbers. The article states “Iger’s compensation includes a Disney CEO Bob Iger receives lower salary compensation in 2016 than 2015





2 Walt Disney World restaurants offer Valentine’s Day specials

Two restaurants at Walt Disney World are offering special menus for Valentine’s Day next month. Artist Point at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge will feature a Sweetheart Dinner Menu – five courses for $75; wine pairings can be added for $25. Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge will offer a special dessert to 2 Walt Disney World restaurants offer Valentine’s Day specials



Disney Cruise Line announces 2018 dates for Star Wars Day at Sea

Star Wars Day at Sea will be returning to Disney Cruise Line in 2018. The following message was just posted on Disney Cruise Line’s Facebook page: JUST ANNOUNCED: Returning in 2018: Star Wars Day at Sea makes its return to select #DisneyCruise Caribbean itineraries in January – April 2018 for an event of galactic proportions! The special Disney Cruise Line announces 2018 dates for Star Wars Day at Sea



Road construction taking place overnight near Epcot

Some detours will be in place overnight near Epcot in the next week while construction takes place. Buena Vista Drive will be closed under the Epcot Center Drive bridge from 2:00am-6:00am on: Thursday, January 12 Friday, January 13 Monday, January 16 Tuesday, January 17 Wednesday, January 18 Detours will use Bonnet Creek Parkway, Overpass Road, Road construction taking place overnight near Epcot



New artisanal items on the menu at Gasparilla Island Grill

We reported in December that Gasparilla Island Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa reopened after a lengthy refurbishment, but Disney Parks Blog is now sharing some of the new menu items. The area is broken into several food stations, including hot sandwiches and pizzas, sandwiches and salads, and coffee and desserts. At the New artisanal items on the menu at Gasparilla Island Grill



One-night Star Wars hard ticket event planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

UPDATE 4/9/17: This event has completely sold out. Walt Disney World has announced a new hard-ticket Star Wars-themed event that will take place April 14, 2017. “Star Wars: Galactic Nights” will take place from 7pm-midnight and will include a variety of activities for the whole family. This movie-premiere-style party will “celebrate 40 years of the Greatest One-night Star Wars hard ticket event planned for Disney’s Hollywood Studios



George Lucas announces new plan to build museum in Los Angeles

Back in 2014, we reported that George Lucas was planning to build his “Lucas Film of Narrative Art” museum in his wife Mellody Hobson’s native Chicago, after considering sites in San Francisco and encountering community opposition. After facing opposition by Chicago’s “Friends of the Park” group, he has changed direction once again and will be George Lucas announces new plan to build museum in Los Angeles