PHOTOS: We Are Not Worthy of these Hercules Inspired Socks Found at World of Disney in Disney Springs
Alicia
“We are worms! Worthless worms!” Pain and Panic, the famous henchmen for Hades in Disney’s Hercules, are two of my favorite Disney side characters from any film. So, you can imagine how excited I was when we found these brand new novelty socks at the World of Disney store in Disney Springs today. The socks …
PHOTOS: CityWalk Food Court and Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom Reopens with Social Distancing Measures at Universal Orlando
Staff Writer
If you’re looking for a bite to eat after your eventful day at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, you might want to stop at the food court in CityWalk or Bob Marley: A Tribute to Freedom, now reopen with social distancing measures in place. With the BK Whopper Bar, Panda Express, and Moe’s …
PHOTOS: New Mickey and Minnie Beverage Donut Floats Arrive at World of Disney in Disney Springs
Alicia
A few days ago, we found a brand new Minnie Mouse Donut pool float in the World of Disney Store in Disney Springs. Today, we found two new companion floats had been added to the store as well. In the box, you’ll find a Mickey-shaped donut beverage-sized float and a Minnie-shaped beverage float as well. …
New “The Bourne Stuntacular” Annual Passholder Exclusive Button Available at Universal Orlando Starting July 1
Staff Writer
Universal Orlando Resort has now reopened, and we are thrilled to be exploring all the new offerings that have been arriving and developing at the resort since before the park closures. In commemoration of the upcoming stage show ‘The Bourne Stuntacular’, Universal has announced that a special, limited-edition button will be available to collect for …
PHOTOS: New Enchanted Tiki Room and Mickey Balloon Loungefly Backpacks Soar into World of Disney
Staff Writer
Boy, if there was one thing I missed while Disney was closed, it was discovering new Loungefly backpacks. Luckily, it seems Disney knows their clientele well and has released not one, but two brand-new Loungeflys. These two new additions to the club are perfect for your first day back in the Magic Kingdom. So let’s …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Meet Blue and Baby Sierra at the New Jurassic World Raptor Encounter Experience in Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Staff Writer
While touring all of the new changes at the recently-reopened Universal Orlando, we headed into the Jurassic Park section of Universal’s Islands of Adventure for a socially-distanced raptor encounter at an all-new location. The all-new Raptor Encounter has opened, showcasing the latest additions to the raptor pack from Isla Nublar in Jurassic World. In fact, …
PHOTOS: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Adds Social Distancing Signage in Preparation for Reopening
Alicia
While we still don’t have an official reopening date for the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort after it closed due to COVID-19, last month we saw Cast Members begin to test the proper social distancing measures that would need to be taken once the park reopens. It seems the park may be even closer to reopening …
PHOTOS: Amorette’s Patisserie Reopens with Physical Distancing Changes at Disney Springs
Kevin Lake
Today, we can finally add Amorette’s Patisserie to the growing list of eateries that have reopened at Disney Springs! The fan-favorite bakery, known for its indulgent sweets, once again welcomed guests after closing, along with the rest of Walt Disney World, back in March. Upon arriving to Disney Springs this morning, we immediately noticed something …
PHOTOS: More Roller Coaster Track Installed for Jurassic Park “Velocicoaster” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Tom Corless
The Jurassic Park River Adventure at Islands of Adventure has been both thrilling and terrifying guests for over two decades. Now, just as the movie franchise has received a spin-off, the lone-thrill attraction of Isla Nublar is being joined by an all-new, roller coaster attraction just next door. That being said, you wouldn’t know this …
Walt Disney World Issues Trespass Warning to Man Illegally Flying Drone Over Magic Kingdom
Matthew Soberman
While Walt Disney World remains closed to guests, some people are determined to get a taste of the magic… and are ready to go to extreme measures to do so. According to Fox News‘ Alexandra Deabler, a Florida man was issued a trespass warning by Walt Disney World security after he was caught hovering a …
NBA Players Will Not Be Allowed to Visit Walt Disney World Theme Parks During Resumed Season
Matthew Soberman
The stars of the National Basketball Association are coming to Walt Disney World to finish their 2019-20 season, and they’re taking their health and safety seriously. According to Senior NBA analyst for The Athletic and sports network Stadium Shams Charania, the National Basketball Players Association, the league’s players’ union, has told players participating in the …
Cooper Howell, Prince Hans in “Frozen: Live at the Hyperion” Speaks Out About Experiences with Inequality Behind the Stage
Staff Writer
Actor Cooper Howell, an actor in “Frozen: Live at the Hyperion” at Disney’s California Adventure who played Prince Hans, is speaking out about his experience as an actor of color. Howell has taken to his Facebook page to comment on the “Heaven and Hell: or my experience being a person of color in Disney’s Hyperion …
Feed the Need Florida, Founded by 4 Rivers Creator, Donates Meals to Unemployed Arts Workers
Matthew Soberman
With Central Florida’s theme parks beginning to open in the coming weeks, many furloughed employees will hopefully return to work. But for those still in need, Feed the Need Florida is here to help. The organization, founded by 4 Rivers Restaurant Group creator John Rivers, has set up a meal distribution system for members of …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 6/4/20 (More Reopenings, Lots of New Pins, ETC.)
Staff Writer
It was a very rainy day at the most magical shopping spot on Earth, but that’s never kept us down! We pulled on our ponchos and got to work to bring you the latest news from Disney Springs. For several days now, World of Disney has returned to a virtual queue system for guests arriving …
PHOTOS: New Light Up Toy Story and Disney Princess Sipper Cups Shine at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
If you’re in need for a new way to hold your cold beverage this summer and want it to shine while you carry it around, look no further than with these new light up sipper cups featuring characters from Toy Story and the Disney Princesses! Toy Story Light Up Sipper Cup – $14.99 This Toy …
PHOTOS: New Plum Open Edition MagicBand Now Available at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
While we wait for the Disney Parks to reopen so we can put our MagicBands to good use again, Disney has released a brand new color to add to our collection! This new plum open edition MagicBand definitely stands out among the current pastel and bold colors that are available for purchase. The stunning plum …
REVIEW: Frozen Surfside Whitewash and High Tide Mai Tai from Sand Bar at Universal’s Endless Summer – Surfside Inn and Suites Bring a Taste of Tropical Paradise
Staff Writer
We checked in at the Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites earlier today and before we head into the parks tomorrow, we decided to relax at the Sand Bar with a few drinks! The bar is set up for guests to still enjoy their drinks while practicing social distancing measures. Signs are …
Walt Disney World Resort Guests Can Now Modify Reservations for Check-Ins Between June 14-21
Staff Writer
Walt Disney World Resort guests can now modify their resort reservations for dates between June 14-21. Although new reservations are not currently being accepted still, reservations between June 14-21 are allowed to go in and modify their reservations, or else they will be automatically canceled. Payments are still being accepted at this time for existing …
PHOTOS: New Winnie the Pooh PatcheD Series Floats in at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
It looks like the East Wind traded places with the West Wind and along came the new arrival of this Winnie the Pooh PatcheD set! This new set of four patches comes straight out of the Hundred Acre Woods! With a bright yellow and red color scheme matching the silly ol’ bear, these patches are …
Coaster Tracks for “Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs” Attraction Spotted at Hong Kong Disneyland
Staff Writer
Yoo hoo! Construction for the new Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs attraction seems to be progressing nicely over in Hong Kong Disneyland, as Twitter user HKDL of Fantasy spotted this week. Back in April, we showed you aerial drone footage of how construction has been coming along for the new Arendelle: World of Frozen land in …
Universal Orlando Reveals New Annual Passholder Perks Starting June 8
Staff Writer
With Universal Orlando officially reopen to the public today, and with Walt Disney World Theme Parks still being closed for another month, you might be considering becoming a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder. If that’s the case, Universal is offering a bunch of new perks for Annual Passholders, as a “welcome back” to the parks! Available …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 6/3/20 (Retail and Restaurant Reopenings, New Loungefly Bag, Mask Availability, and More)
Kevin Lake
Greetings from an overcast Disney Springs! While the weather is a bit dreary, the rain held out long enough for us to check out some exciting happenings. Let’s take a look at what the day held. Bright and early at 8:00am, entrance into Disney Springs from the Orange Garage was slightly delayed and guests were …
PHOTOS: Harry Potter Wand Gift Bags Available to Purchase in Universal Orlando Resort
Staff Writer
Now that the Universal Orlando parks have reopened, we’ve been having a blast searching through all the exciting new merchandise on offer. That being said, we’re well aware that many friends and family members may not be able to visit due to the current, post-COVID-19 restrictions in place, so it’s important to be mindful to …
PHOTOS: Ikspiari Reopens at Tokyo Disney Resort Featuring New Social Distancing Measures
Spencer Lloyd
As the long and choppy journey of the first wave of COVID-19 comes to a close in Japan, we’re beginning to see the resumption of businesses across the country. And while Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea are still closed for the foreseeable future, we seem to be on the way towards reopening. The state of …
PHOTOS: AquaSphere Plaza Repaving Completed, Disney Easter Banner Removed at Tokyo DisneySea
Spencer Lloyd
While Tokyo DisneySea (along with the rest of the resort) has been closed since February 29th due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Oriental Land Company decided to undertake some major pavement projects across both parks. About three weeks ago, we reported that they’d torn up AquaSphere Plaza’s pavement at Tokyo DisneySea’s entrance. Now, …
Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax Revenues for April Suffer 97% Decrease From Year Prior Due To COVID-19 Shutdown
Matthew Soberman
While Florida’s theme parks begin to reopen following their months-long closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re now starting to see the economic impact that the closure had. WFTV reporter Deanna Allbrittin posted on Twitter that Orange County only collected $765,900 in Tourist Development Tax revenues for the month of April, a 97% decrease from …
Universal Orlando Resort Surveying Annual Passholders on Face Masks, U•Rest Areas, and More During Initial Reopening Previews
Staff Writer
While wearing a face mask and following social distancing procedures is now the new normal when going out and about in a world with COVID-19, it’s beginning to impact how guests feel about their experiences at theme parks. Universal Orlando Resort has sent out an email survey to guests that attended the Annual Passholder preview …
PHOTOS: New Social Distancing Measures Being Tested at Tokyo Disney Resort
Spencer Lloyd
With Ikspiari reopened with increased social distancing protocols, surely the Tokyo Disney parks aren’t far behind! Well, we still aren’t sure when Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea will welcome Guests once more, but we do know that they’re inching closer to their return! On a trip around the Disney Resort Line today, we noticed new …
PHOTO REPORT: 6/2/20 Disney Springs (A Look at Closed Shops, Mask Update, New Merchandise, and More)
Staff Writer
It was an overcast start to the day, with no line of cars waiting to enter the Orange Garage. Yesterday, World of Disney went back to its posted opening time of 10am, and activated the virtual queue for guests arriving between 8-10am. Not many people made the early morning power walk from the garage to …
DISNEY+ REVIEW: “Pollyanna” on Deep in the Plus
Rob Whiteside
We’re back and venturing once more into the deep! Each week on Deep in the Plus, we pull a different movie or TV show from the Disney plus vault and tell you the history, the details, give our review and tell you if it’s worth your time. This week, we have a classic for you, …
WDWNT: Nerd Alert – Season Six – Episode 18 Is Now Available
Joe Hogarty
In this episode: The Nerd Alert Gang competes against The Rusted Junk Podcast for all the marbles in Nerd Family Feud! Join hosts Joe Hogarty, Jack McCarthy, and Taylor Katcher! WDWNT: Nerd Alert – Season Six – Episode 18 is now available for download through WDW News Today: Original Programming, iTunes, iHeart Radio and Spotify. Joe …
PHOTOS: New “Love is Universal” Pride Merchandise Collection Debuts at Universal Orlando Resort
Shannen Ace
Disney isn’t the only theme park with their own line of merchandise for Pride Month. With Annual Passholder previews beginning at Universal Orlando, their Pride Month line has been revealed! The slogan featured on most of the merch is “Love is Universal” with a rainbow swoosh, similar to the face mask we reported on earlier. …
PHOTOS: New Mickey Waffle Phone Case Serves Up a Smile at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
If you’re a fan of Mickey-shaped food and need a little bit of that Disney magic to get you going in the morning, why not pick up this brand-new Mickey Waffle phone case every morning when you pick up your phone? It’s sure to serve up a smile first thing when you wake up! This …
PHOTOS: Exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley With New Social Distancing Measures in Place at Universal Studios Florida
Staff Writer
“Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home…” Well, you’ve got to stop at Diagon Alley first, before you can head back to Hogwarts! Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida reopened yesterday with new social distancing measures in place and we were there to check it out! Guests can walk around freely in the …
Walt Disney World Extends Ticket Expiration Dates Impacted by Closure to September 26, 2021
Matthew Soberman
Guests with tickets impacted by Walt Disney World’s months-long closure of the parks now have more time to use them. The resort has quietly updated its Travel Information page, announcing that multi-day and date-specific park tickets that were scheduled to expire during the closure period have now been automatically extended through September 26th, 2021. The …
PHOTOS: New Neon Summer Loungefly Mini Backpack Brings a Bright Pop of Color to Disney Springs
Staff Writer
Nothing makes you stand out more in a crowd than bright neon colors, and this new Neon Summer Loungefly backpack is perfect for being found in the theme parks! This Loungefly mini-backpack is a part of the Neon Summer collection that debuted on shopDisney in April, and definitely stands out compared to the other Loungeflys …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Characters Make Socially Distant Appearances at Universal Orlando
Shannen Ace
While character meet-and-greets have been suspended for the time being, Universal Orlando has found some unique ways to bring out their classic characters for guest interaction from afar. We got to wave to some cool characters during Annual Passholder previews. First up, Marilyn Monroe was cruising through Hollywood, waving and blowing kisses at guests. Nearby, …
NBA Board of Governors Votes in Favor of 2019-20 Season Resuming in Orlando
Staff Writer
It what has been a thrilling series of stories starting back in April, the NBA has been approved to finish out the 2019-2020 season in Orlando. In a recent tweet from both Adrian Wojnarowski and Scott Gustin, the the formal vote to continue out the season from the NBA Board of Governors has been approved. …
EPCOT’s Mexico Cultural Representative Program Now Accepting Applications for Positions Starting in 2021
Staff Writer
As Walt Disney World prepares for reopening in July, and with EPCOT reopening on July 15, we’ve already started to see the theme parks taking steps to get ready for guests to return. With EPCOT, both Germany and Norway have already been looking for cultural representatives to return, and as of today, Disney Careers has …
TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (6/4/20): Universal Orlando Reopens, Disney Parks Pursuit, and Ranking Animal Kingdom Music
Tom Corless
Tonight! It’s WDW News Tonight! Join us at 9PM ET for a review of the week’s news, a report on the reopening of Universal Orlando Resort, the Disney Parks Pursuit, Disney’s Animal Kingdom background music gets LEVELED, and more! The show can be watched live at WDWNTunes.com on your computer or mobile device (but it …