Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney … and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney’s dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring Joy and Inspiration and New Knowledge to all who come to this happy place … a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn together. - Roy O. Disney, October 25, 1971 With those words, Roy O. Disney dedicated the park that would become the center-piece of the world’s most popular, and most unique, vacation resort.  After 40 years of joy, inspiration, and new knowledge, Walt Disney World continues to bring us together and is truly, our “happy place.” In honor of Walt Disney World’s 40th...

From the Cast Member Eyes and Ears publication: While all of this official information is now public, there are a few more surprises expected on October 1. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as more information becomes available.

If you have been following the updates we have been making on wdwnewstoday.com/wdw40, you already know that October 1st at the Magic Kingdom will bring a ton of artist signing events to the park for the 40th anniversary and the release of new merchandise to mark the special occasion. Well, Disney has released details on a few more pieces that will be available on that day: Celebrate 40 Years of Walt Disney World Magic on Saturday, October 1st! Walt Disney World® Resort 40th Anniversary Artist Signing Events at Magic Kingdom® Park! Have you marked your calendars for the 40th Anniversary Celebration at Walt Disney World? Join us on Saturday, October 1 for an anniversary celebration at Magic Kingdom Park commemorating 40 years of Disney magic. Throughout the...

Yes, Disney Pin Trading is still as popular as ever, and it isn’t hard to see why with all the incredible new product on the way. In this “Press Event” from The Florida Project, Disney reveals what is on the horizon, including an incredible 25 piece collection for Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary celebration on October 1st:

WDWNT Reporter Josh Siegel paid a visit to Downtown Disney on Sunday evening and has some newsworthy photos to share with us from his trip: See folks, this is what happens when you don’t charge admission… The LEGO Imagination Center is being remodeled, but there is a new temporary location in the Marketplace Could we have McDonald’s back? I never thought I would say that… Inside World of Disney, plenty of 40th anniversary merchandise available Some new sweatshirts 1971 apparel More new stuff New autograph book for the 40th These are new too. They sure have changed since I was a kid… “Designer” mouse ears are becoming more and more common Price may be a little high, but they are beautiful pieces MORE 40TH...

Today we have the first photo report from our newest WDWNT Reporter Coral Rivera! Coral brings us park hopping for a few newsworthy pictures in her very first update: A limited release ear hat available, retailing at $79.95 Pretty cool map in the interior, it also comes in a beautiful box with three patches (not pictured) There’s a puzzle featuring the box art as well St. Patrick’s Day Duffy!!! The slide at Stormalong Bay is under refurbishment Moving to Epcot, the floral at the front of the park has been changed to a winter theme Work continues on the huge remodel project for Future World central A “Let the Memories Begin!” floral at the Magic Kingdom The Confectionary will be behind tarps until June Mrs. Potts’ Cupboard is...

WDWNT Reporter Zach Larson roamed all over Walt Disney World last weekend and has a ton of newsworthy photos to share with us of all the latest happenings: New clothing at Hollywood Studios features characters with clapboards 40th Anniversary merchandise is EVERYWHERE The exterior refurbishment on Tower of Terror continues “Hamm and Eggs” Toy Story Mania shirt for women now available The north end of the Celebrity Five and Dime is under tarps The Speeder Bike by Star Tours is back after a brief refurbishment Service resumes May 20th Over at Downtown Disney, work continues on the AMC Dine-In Theaters, opening in the Spring Pleasure Island continues its run as a seating area while we wait for Hyperion Wharf Motion is history, Rock...

WDWNT Reporter Zach Larson brings us our very first photo report of 2011 with a look at all of the new merchandise celebrating Walt Disney World’s 40th anniversary in 2011. According to our sources, there is a lot more where this came from, this is only the first batch of clothes and collectibles hitting shelves this year to mark the milestone: Plenty of open edition pins available If you look at the backer cards, you’ll see some classic WDW memorabilia This pin opens to reveal… Walt! With the exception of the jeweled pants, this one is pretty cool How did that get in here… Not 40th related, but this new retro Epcot shirt has been available for a few weeks No more…. NO MORE!!! I guess we can’t avoid it, so I’ll...