In news breaking today Disney Consumer Products and Disney Interactive are going to combine into one single division to be named Disney Consumer Products & Interactive Media. The reasoning behind the conversion of the two divisions is increasing overlap of both consumer and interactive products. The new division will be headed by the two previous heads of the divisions, Jillian Ferraro who became president of Consumer Products back in May, and Jimmy Pitaro the current president of Disney Interactive.
In the statement released by Disney, Disney COO Thomas Staggs stated: As technology and digital entertainment continue to evolve, a shared innovation strategy will enable this new segment to create unique and engaging products and experiences that exceed customers' expectations.
The development of Disney Interactive's Disney Infinity video game had helped the division become profitable. It operated at a $116 million profit last year, where as recently as 2011 the division had a reported $308 million loss. Disney Consumer Products unveiled its newest product earlier this month in Playmation which is a line of wearable toys that use radio waves and other technologies to interact with each other. Sales for Disney Consumer Products last year rose 12 percent to $4 billion. Now seems the perfect time for these two divisions to combine.
Disney Releases List of Allowable Guest Camera Accessories in Time for Upcoming Ban on Selfie Sticks:
Last week it was reported that selfie sticks would be banned from all Disney Theme Parks effective tomorrow, June 30, 2015. Guests have been worried that camera accessories similar to selfie sticks would not be allowed into the park either. Here is a list released by Disney of camera accessories that are and aren't allowed into the park:
- Tripods that can be folded and stored in a reasonable size bag are allowed. Large tripods are not allowed.
- Extendable camera monopods are allowed.
- GoPro brand name body and head harnesses are allowed.
- Short, brand name GoPro handles are allowed.
- Brand name or similar style GRIP & SHOOT handles are also allowed.
- GoPro 3-way or similar style extending handles are now allowed.
- Selfie Sticks of any kind are not allowed.
More Details The Magic of Disney Animation Closing at Hollywood Studios:
Last week it was reported on the possibility that The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios would be closing in part of the intended massive makeover project at the park. The closing of The Magic of Disney Animation will be July 12, 2015 as reported by Cast Members. It was also discovered on the My Disney Experience app that the last day for the character meet & greets in the area would be ending on July 18, 2015.
Although no word has been announced by Disney of the closing of any of the other attractions in the area this is just the one of many signs of the impending closing. One Man's Dream is also expected to be closing around the date of the meet & greets.
It still remains unclear however if any of the parts of the attraction will be returning or if the area is destined for demolition. Rumors have not had this part of the park set for any kind of expansion of the park, but that may have changed. This is now the second major area of the park that is closing ( the other the Backlot Tour last fall) in what seems to be a major expansion of Hollywood Studios not yet announced by Disney. Tune in as this story of what could be a very large expansion to Disney's Hollywood Studios develops.
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