Universal Studios Hollywood Reportedly Plans to Reopen in July, CityWalk as Early as Next Week
Matthew Soberman
It may be “lights, camera, action” for Universal Studios Hollywood next month, with CityWalk opening as soon as next week, according to a team member union statement. In a statement to union cast members, IATSE Local B-192 President Nicole Miller reports that representatives for the park are “hopeful” that they will be able to reopen …
PHOTOS, REVIEW: Social Distance Dining at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen at Universal Orlando’s CityWalk
Annie Wilson
CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort is now open, along with many of our favorite shops and restaurants. While checking out some of the latest social distancing markers added around the entrance of the parks, we decided to stop into the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen for a bite to eat. You can find …
PHOTOS: New “Inside Out” Rainbow Unicorn Romper is a Dream Production at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
The famous Rainbow Unicorn from “Dream Productions” has captured the hearts of many fans and has led to an array of Disney Parks merchandise since Inside Out made its debut. Now, The Dress Shop has created a new dress-turned-romper outfit that’s perfect for capturing anyone’s imagination! The Dress Shop “Inside Out” Rainbow Unicorn Romper – …
BREAKING: Spaceship Earth Will Reopen with EPCOT on July 15th, Refurbishment Postponed Indefinitely
Jessica Figueroa
Despite having its status recently updated to “Closed for Refurbishment” on the Walt Disney World website and on My Disney Experience, it seems Spaceship Earth may make its ascent once again upon the reopening of EPCOT on July 15th. Thank the Phoenicians! According to the UNITE HERE Local 362 union, which represents attraction workers throughout …
PHOTOS: Fun New “Mousewares” Kitchen Magnet Set Snaps into Disney Springs
Staff Writer
We love brightening our kitchens with all things Mickey, and there’s some great new items in Disney Springs this week to help us reach the ultimate Disney aesthetic potential. Have you seen the amazing new “Mousewares” collection of homeware in World of Disney yet? More recently, we spotted this cute new magnet set. Each of …
PHOTOS: Even More Snack Kiosks and The Spice & Tea Exchange Reopens at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
If you’re heading back to Disney Springs this week to brave the crowds and see what merchandise you can get your hands on in World of Disney, chances are, you might be wanting a snack. If Mobile Ordering or entering a proper restaurant establishment doesn’t sound appealing, you’ll be glad to hear that more food …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 5/31/20 (Amphicars Launch Again, New World of Disney Merchandise, Mask Availability, and More)
Kevin Lake
Greetings from Disney Springs on a hot and sunny day! We’re scouring the recently-reopened shopping and dining district for anything and everything new, and as we’re only on day 12 of the reopening, there’s plenty to cover. Let’s head in and take a look. World of Disney, which has been opening around 8:00am since its …
PHOTOS: New Mickey Main Street Popcorn Phone Case Pops into Disney Springs
Staff Writer
We love popcorn, and nothing beats the tasty and fun popcorn that’s Main Street Popcorn! With so many flavors of this gourmet popcorn, we can’t seem to get enough. For all you popcorn lovers though, you’ll want to check out this new iPhone XR case that’s popped into stores! This clear phone case features the …
Disneyland Resort Now Only Accepting Reservations for July 15 and Later
Jessica Figueroa
Disneyland Resort has now announced that they will only begin accepting reservations for travel dates starting July 15, 2020 and later. The following update was listed on the Disneyland Resort’s COVID-19 landing page: Previously, guests were only allowed to book starting July 1 or later. At this time, no reopening date has been announced for Disneyland …
PHOTOS: Universal Orlando Resort Prepares for Reopening and More Venues Open Around CityWalk
Annie Wilson
Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to reopen all three of their theme parks, starting with soft openings for Team Members today and registered Annual Passholders leading up to the grand reopening on June 5. CityWalk, Universal Orlando’s smaller version of a “Disney Springs” shopping and dining district, reopened earlier this month with added health and …
Universal Releases Statement on the Killing of George Floyd and Commitment to Diversity
Jessica Figueroa
Comcast has released a statement addressed to its employees at Universal, NBCUniversal, and Comcast Cable regarding the murder of George Floyd, and the ongoing violence against black people due to racial disparity. The letter is signed off on behalf of Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast Corporation. You can read the full letter …
VIDEO: Watch the Unboxing and Assembly of the Tokyo Disneyland 20th Anniversary “Dioramap”
Spencer Lloyd
We’re big fans of merchandise here at WDWNT. In particular, we’re pretty crazy about the wacky and unique merchandise sold at Tokyo Disney Resort. Our latest acquisition is a bit of a large, rare piece: the “Dioramap” created for the 20th Anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland in 2003! You can watch Spencer put together and demonstrate …
PHOTOS: New Rainbow Mickey Merchandise Arrives at Disney Springs in Honor of Pride Month
Staff Writer
Everyone knows that June is Pride Month, and Disney are always quick to celebrate by bringing in a rainbow of merchandise to their stores. We found this collection over in World of Disney in Disney Springs! Let’s take a closer look… Rainbow Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Plushes Both Mickey and Minnie are available as …
PHOTOS: Construction Takes Shape on New Canopy at City Works Eatery & Pour House in Disney Springs
Kevin Lake
When Disney Springs re-opened on May 20th, we had a fairly good idea of what to expect. One surprise, however, came in the form of rolling planters surrounding City Works Eatery & Pour House’s outdoor seating area. Since then, we’ve gotten a better idea of the nature of the construction, and we’re now seeing it …
Shanghai Disneyland Opens Park Reservation System to Guests with General Admission Tickets
Staff Writer
Shanghai Disneyland became the first of the Disney Parks to reopen its gates following the COVID-19 pandemic back on May 11th, debuting new protocols on ticketing and reservations which have potentially been paving the way for the rest of the parks to follow suit. When the park first reopened, new measures were implemented to help …
Walt Disney World Now Retroactively Refunding Monthly Payments for Annual Passholders
Jessica Figueroa
Walt Disney World has begun issuing refunds for Annual Passholders after the unprecedented parks closures. Since an official reopening date has been established and approved by the state, Disney can move forward with extending Annual Passes that have been paid in full, as well as processing partial and monthly refunds for guests who have paid …
SHOP: New Rainbow Mickey Collection Drops on shopDisney In Honor of Pride Month
Spencer Lloyd
June is Pride Month every year, and Disney is once again celebrating with a neat rainbow-centric line of merchandise on shopDisney! Starting today, you can celebrate Pride from top to bottom with the new Disney Rainbow Collection. Let’s take a look at this neat collection! Rainbow Disney Collection Mickey Mouse Plush – $24.99 Rainbow Disney …
SHOP: New Limited Edition EPCOT Canada, China, Germany, and Japan Pavilion Serigraph Posters Available On shopDisney
Shannen Ace
EPCOT fans, rejoice! Four more limited edition EPCOT posters have been added to shopDisney. We previously saw shopDisney offering limited edition EPCOT posters for World Showcase attractions, The Seas, and other Future World attractions. These designs premiered at D23 last year and have been released periodically throughout 2020. shopDisney is now offering the first round …
CONFIRMED: Universal Studios Japan Soft Opening June 8th, Reopening June 19th
Spencer Lloyd
Theme park history was made once again by Universal today. But this time, it was across the Pacific Ocean in Japan. As we reported earlier, Universal Studios Japan in Osaka announced today that they will be reopening their gates on June 8th to passholders, and June 19th for general guests! This makes them the first …
Tokyo Disney Resort Closure Extended Until “External and Internal Conditions Have Been Readied”
Spencer Lloyd
While the COVID-19 situation has improved in Japan, we aren’t out of the woods just yet it seems. The State of Emergency was lifted across Japan last week, but it seems Tokyo Disney Resort still isn’t ready to reopen yet. In a rather vague statement on the official TDR website, the Oriental Land Company stated: …
RUMOR: Universal Studios Japan Reopening June 19
Spencer Lloyd
We may once again see theme park history very soon. An accidentally-posted video on the official Universal Studios Japan Twitter account may have revealed that Japan’s third-most-popular theme park will reopen its gates on June 19th, the first major park to return in Japan! The news came from a video that was accidentally tweeted by …
Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Orlando Giving Away Free Legendary Burgers to First Responders Through June
Alicia
Even though Universal Orlando’s CityWalk is still running under limited operation, that didn’t stop the Hard Rock Cafe location on the property from re-opening on May 29th. With the reopening, the Hard Rock Cafe announced a special deal for health and emergency service workers. This deal is for all nurses, doctors, and first responders (with …
Disney Takes A Stand Against Racism Across Social Media Channels in Light of Protests
Matthew Soberman
As protests continue across the United States following the killing of George Floyd, The Walt Disney Company has posted a statement across the social media channels of its various brands. The statement reads: We stand against racism. We stand for inclusion. We stand with our fellow Black employees, storytellers, creators and the entire Black community. …
CityWalk at Universal Orlando Now Closing at 8:00 PM Nightly Due to Orange County Curfew
Jessica Figueroa
Following in the footsteps of Disney Springs, CityWalk at Universal Orlando is now closing at 8:00 PM nightly to comply with Orange County’s new 10:00 PM curfew, effective today, Sunday, May 31 until further notice. Hours have been adjusted on CityWalk’s main page. Select venues are open for limited operations from 4:00 to 8:00 PM …
RECIPE: You Don’t Need a Passport to Try Our DIY Ottawa Apple Cocktail Recipe from EPCOT’s Canada Pavilion
Staff Writer
Chances are, you’ve been to EPCOT. And, chances are you’ve indulged in an entrancing cocktail (or two… or three…) as you merrily traversed through the majesty that beholds World Showcase. And, chances are you have found yourself longing for that unforgettable tipple once more, shortly after you’ve returned home. Alas, you’re a long way away …
PHOTOS: New Youth and Baby Apparel Collections Arrive at Disney Springs, Including Minnie Rainbows, Neon, and Classic Snacks
Staff Writer
Summer has officially arrived, and now that we’re able to get back into World of Disney at Disney Springs, we’re enjoying the chance to update our family’s closets once more. Three adorable new collections of youth apparel have just arrived in-store, and we can’t wait to show you what we’ve found… Minnie Mouse Rainbow Collection …
Disney Springs Closing at 7:00 PM Nightly Starting Today Due to Orange County Curfew
Jessica Figueroa
To comply with Orange County’s new 10 p.m. curfew, effective today, Sunday, May 31 and until further notice, Disney Springs will be closing at 7 p.m., to allow cast members, operating participant employees, and guests time to return home. Hours of operation may vary by location. For details, please call the restaurant or store you’d …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 5/30/20 (A Look Inside Goofy’s Candy Co., Long Lines at Sephora, and Current Face Mask Options)
Staff Writer
Good morning from Disney Springs! As the only open Disney location in the country right now, it’s understandable that people wanting a little taste of Disney magic would come here. Although nothing like the mad dash and crazy line of the first day, cars still lined up outside of the garage to park in Orange …
PHOTOS: New Mickey “Mousewares” Collection at World of Disney Brings a Touch of Character to Your Kitchen
Staff Writer
New houseware merchandise items were found this morning sprinkled in throughout a display of old favorites at the recently reopened World of Disney in Disney Springs. Some of the new items sported a new logo for “Mousewares”, although not all of the new items carried this brand, especially the smaller items, so it is unclear …
Disney Releases Statement on the Killing of George Floyd and Racial Disparity
Jessica Figueroa
Disney has released a statement addressed to its employees regarding the murder of George Floyd, and the ongoing protests throughout the country due to ongoing racial disparity. The letter is signed off on behalf of Bob Iger, Bob Chapek, and Latondra Newton. Resolve in a Time of Unrest: A Message to Fellow Employees Dear Fellow …
PHOTOS: New “Pocahontas” Meeko and Flit Socks Sneak Into Disney Springs
Staff Writer
Every princess (or prince) needs a furry friend to help them through the hard times, and now you can sport socks not only featuring 1, but 2 iconic Disney pet sidekicks. Meeko, the always hungry pet raccoon from the animated film Pocahontas is featured happily peeking out of these new, grey-striped tube socks accompanied by …
REVIEW: New “Gold Rush” Sundae at Ghirardelli in Disney Springs is a Treasure Trove of Salted Caramel
Staff Writer
With more and more locations reopening as part of the phased reopening of Disney Springs, you can finally get your ice cream craving satisfied. Ghirardelli has officially opened its Soda Fountain location, and is offering a limited menu, with options for contactless payment and outdoor seating only. As part of their return, a familiar name …
EPCOT’s World Showcase to be Staffed with Cast Members Instead of Cultural Representatives Upon Reopening
Jessica Figueroa
With EPCOT at Walt Disney World reopening on Wednesday, July 15, the park has little over a month to staff its numerous pavilions. The World Showcase in particular may be faced with a number of issues, as the Cultural Representative program (along with Disney Internships) was suspended on April 18. Between that and current global …
Alan Menken Now Collaborating on Songs for Upcoming Live-Action “Beauty and the Beast” Prequel Series
Staff Writer
Earlier in the year, we found out that a spin-off prequel series to the 2017, live-action “Beauty and the Beast” movie is in the works. The series, which is set to be released on Disney+, will star Luke Evans and Josh Gad reprising their roles as Gaston and Le Fou, hopefully exploring the origins of …
WDWNT Weekly Recap: Walt Disney World Reopening on July 11, World of Disney Reopens at Disney Springs, Plus All FastPass+ and Dining Reservations Cancelled
Staff Writer
Every week is a busy week when it comes to Disney news. To help you keep up with all the updates coming out of Walt Disney World and other Disney resorts, here’s WDWNT’s weekly recap of the Disney news from May 25-31, 2020 . Walt Disney World Walt Disney World Reopening Announcement Updates Walt Disney …
Get to Better Know the Reedy Creek Improvement District in this Millennium Report from 2000
Matthew Soberman
With Walt Disney World still closed for the next month or so, WDWNT is dipping into our archives of vintage parks materials for a look back into parks history! If you ever wanted to know what the Reedy Creek Improvement District does at Walt Disney World, take a crash course with this Millennium Report from …
Virgin Trains Brightline High-Speed Railway Lays Track to Orlando International Airport
Matthew Soberman
South Florida residents are well on track to a high-speed rail to Orlando. Brightline, soon to be known as Virgin Trains, posted a photo of freshly-laid track leading to their future station at Orlando International Airport on Tuesday. Construction has continued on the line during the COVID-19 pandemic, with adjustments made to take precautions against …
Take a Vintage Tour of The Happiest Place on Earth with this Summer 1957 Issue of “Disneyland Holiday”
Matthew Soberman
With Disney Parks around the world still closed, WDWNT is dipping into our archives of vintage parks materials for a look back into parks history! Thanks to WDWNT reader Don Jones, we’re able to share this look back at The Happiest Place on Earth with the Summer 1957 issue of “Disneyland Holiday!” Note: This article …
Kingdom Hearts Reportedly in Development as Animated Series for Disney+
Staff Writer
Kingdom Hearts fans have been a very loyal and dedicated fan base over the years, following the story across a variety of gaming consoles. However, a new platform is reportedly in the works to continue on the story of Light versus Dark. Square Enix’s Kingdom Hearts video game is apparently in development of getting an …
Computer Coding Lessons Meet Disney Fun with “Disney Codeillusion”
Matthew Soberman
Are you looking to learn a new skill this summer? You can learn computer coding with beloved Disney characters with “Disney Codeillusion,” a new educational online game. Developed by Life is Tech!, “Disney Codeillusion” teaches coding that will help you develop webpages, games, and videos in programming languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Processing. Upon …