There's never a dull moment for Walt Disney (DIS 0.94%). The media giant always seems to have something going on. Last month, it was all about Disney's theme parks, but July is going to be big for the House of Mouse in the realm of filmed entertainment.
Summer is here, and Disney wants to keep you entertained. Let's go over three of the dates that will matter for the industry bellwether.
Image source: Disney.
July 1
Fireworks are a staple at Disneyland and Disney World's Magic Kingdom, but the skies haven't been lighting up since mid-March of last year. The world's leading theme park operator has held back from its pyrotechnics, fearing that guests gathering for a nighttime feast for the senses would be a spreader event even outside.
The fireworks return this week. Disney World gets going again with its nightly shows at the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT on Thursday; Disneyland follows three days later. It might not seem like much, but it's become a tradition for many park fans over the past few decades. After what was essentially a lost summer in 2020, Disney theme parks want to make sure they are at their best during this year's potent travel season.
July 9
Disney tiptoed into theaters earlier this year with low-key films including Raya and the Last Dragon and Cruella. The films were well reviewed, but the company isn't partying like its 2019. It's a reference that needs explaining: Disney had the country's six highest-grossing movies that year. Raya and the Last Dragon and Cruella aren't among this year's top three films, but now we have Black Widow up for medal-awarding podium consideration.
Action films generally do well on the big screen, and Marvel superhero epics have fared even better. Like so many movies that were originally supposed to hit a multiplex near you, Black Widow has seen its release date get bumped a couple of times. With theaters open and mask restrictions lifted, it's a good time to hit movie houses with potential blockbusters.
July 30
There was a time when it seemed as if Disney was going to raid all of its theme park rides and attractions for content fodder. Pirates of the Caribbean, The Haunted Mansion, and even Country Bears Jamboree had their Hollywood close-up. The Pirates of the Caribbean film fared so well that it spawned several sequels.
It was just a matter of time before Disney's Jungle Cruise ride got the Tinseltown makeover, and by the end of this month, audiences will get to see Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and Emily Blunt in a live-action film themed loosely to the iconic boat ride with wisecracking skippers.
Jungle Cruise will hit theaters three weeks after Marvel's Black Widow. There's a good chance that Jungle Cruise is what knocks Black Widow from the top of the weekly box office tallies.
With the company in the process of updating the ride that the film is based on, it is a smart time to put out a new film that will draw even more attention to the classic attraction. It didn't become a market-fave entertainment stock by not knowing what consumers are craving. It's going to be a big month for Disney at the corner multiplex.
