BREAKING: EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival 2020 Kicking Off July 15 With Park Reopening; Modified Experiences Announced
Jessica Figueroa
Disney has announced the return of the International Food & Wine Festival for the grand reopening of EPCOT! This year’s festival is set to be the longest one yet, albeit with modified experiences, and even a bit of leftover Flower & Garden Festival sprinkled in due to the untimely overlap of the two festivals. Full …
BREAKING: All Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Nights Cancelled for 2020
Jessica Figueroa
Walt Disney World has announced that all Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights in 2020 are cancelled. Disney has released the following statement regarding the cancellation announcement, which also includes Disney H2O Glow Nights for the remainder of the year at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: While assessing another fall special event, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we determined …
Part-Time and Water Park Cast Members Getting Called In For Work Ahead of Reopenings at Walt Disney World; Water Park Reopening Dates Uncertain
Staff Writer
Local 362, a union that represents around 6,000 Cast Members at Walt Disney World who work in attractions, custodial and vacation planning, have been called back to work for a June 28 start date, ahead of Walt Disney World reopening in July. Disney has told us that all Full-Time Attractions Cast Members will be recalled …
PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Characters Make Socially Distant Appearances at the Newly-Reopened Hong Kong Disneyland
Staff Writer
While character meet-and-greets have been suspended for the time being, Hong Kong Disneyland has found some magical ways to bring out the characters for guest interaction from afar. We already got a peek at what these new socially distant meet-and-greets could look like from how Universal Orlando handled their classic characters posing for photos, and now …
REVIEW: The Polite Pig’s NEW Bourbon on The Rocks Chocolate Chip Cookie is a Boozy Addition to Disney Springs
Staff Writer
Grab your monocle and your top hat, we’re going to where pork is king. But we’re not going for BBQ, we’re going for a little something that’s not even on the menu yet, although with the heft of this treat, we can hardly call it “little.” Meet the Bourbon Chocolate Chip Cookie, which today was …
AMC Theaters Reopening July 15, Disney Springs Dine-In Still Listed as Closed
Staff Writer
According to Deadline, AMC has officially announced that they will reopen 450 U.S. locations on July 15. AMC will reopen over four phases. Phase 1 will limit theaters to have 30% occupancy, blocking out every other row of seats for each movie. Phase 2 will increase capacity to 40%, hopefully moving to 50% by Labor …
PHOTOS: Preliminary Social Distancing Markers Added to Queue For Resort Boat Transportation at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
With the theme parks of Walt Disney World Resort beginning their phased peopening on July 11, 2020, preparations are being made across property in order to comply with new health and safety guidelines in the wake of COVID-19. When Disney Springs reopened on May 20, the most noticeable change throughout was the addition of large …
Orange County Mayor Issues Executive Order Requiring Face Masks in Any Public Space Starting June 20
Jessica Figueroa
We hope you’ve got your Disney face masks handy, because starting Saturday, June 20, face masks will be required to be worn by anyone working, living, visiting, or doing business in Orange County: The Executive Order was issued due to rising confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the state. Since face masks have been required since …
Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Shares New Health and Safety Update Ahead of Reopenings; Emphasizes Use of Face Masks
Jessica Figueroa
Disney Parks Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pamela Hymel has shared a new health and safety update ahead of the first wave of resort reopenings coming up this Monday on June 22, followed by phased theme park reopenings to begin on July 11 at Walt Disney World. You can read the full update below. Do note …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: First Look Inside NEW Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground; Baby Foal Named “Violet” Born
Staff Writer
Newly-appointed Walt Disney World Resort President Jeff Vahle has taken to Instagram to show us inside and around the newly-completed Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. We’d recently gotten an aerial look down at the new ranch as horses had just begun acclimating to the new space, but now let’s take a …
PHOTOS: New Americana Minnie Mouse Sequin Backpack by Loungefly Brings Stars and Stripes to Disney Springs
Staff Writer
In the run-up to the Fourth of July, Disney has been releasing a patriotic new collection of “Americana” merchandise, bringing Mickey Mouse magic to the classic Stars and Stripes. In Disney Springs today we spotted this all-new Loungefly backpack from the collection, and it’s the perfect accessory to wear to the fireworks. We previously saw …
SHOP: Stylish New Mickey Mouse Dooney & Bourke Purse Coming to shopDisney on June 19
Staff Writer
Designers Dooney & Bourke are well-known and loved for the stunning, all-over patterns which make up their purses, and their Disney designs are some of the most high-end we’ve seen. We have just learned that a new piece is due to be released this month, and we had to share it with you! This new …
TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (6/18/20): Rejected Chicken Guy Sauces, The Pyramid, and Disney’s Most Crowded Spots! *Promoted Tweet*
Tom Corless
Tonight! It’s WDW News Tonight! Join us at 9PM ET for a review of the week’s news, a discussion of the most crowded places at the Disney Parks, we reveal Chicken Guy sauces that never made the cut, and we’ll play WDWNT: The Pyramid! The show can be watched live at WDWNTunes.com on your computer …
Chef Mickey’s and Biergarten Restaurant to Reopen as “Family Style” Eateries at Walt Disney World Resort
Jessica Figueroa
A new list of locations indicating where Cast Members are being called back in for work ahead of the reopening has hinted at some of the changes guests may expect to see upon returning to Walt Disney World. Among them include changes to dining. While buffet-style dining is certainly a problematic concept in the wake …
Even More Resort and Theme Park Cast Members Getting Called In For Work Ahead of July Reopenings at Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
UNITE HERE Local 737, a union that represents workers in the Walt Disney World Resorts Food & Beverage and Housekeeping departments, have released an expansive list of additional locations recalling Cast Members for the imminent reopening. The list was released earlier today on the union’s Facebook page, later boosted by Carlye Wisel on Twitter. Today, …
Disney Stores Set to Reopen in England and Ireland with Mandatory Face Covering Requirement
Staff Writer
Great news for those of us over the pond, as Disney Stores have announced that they are set to begin reopening across England and Ireland. A few weeks ago, a set of guidelines were released for guests shopping at the Disney Store in the US, including rules on mandatory social distancing measures, and the suspension …
REVIEW: New Piña Colada Doughnut from Voodoo Doughnut at Universal CityWalk Orlando is a Tropical, Passholder-Exclusive Treat
Annie Wilson
What a time to be a Universal Orlando Annual Passholder. There are so many benefits around the park, from free Coca-Cola Freestyle cups with food mobile order to the UOAP magnets and buttons, we’re really off to a great summer. If you’re looking for yet another benefit to being a passholder, be sure to stop …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: New Aprons and Potholders Featuring Characters From “Cinderella”, “Toy Story”, and “Beauty and the Beast” Arrive at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
It wasn’t so long ago that we reported on the fun new “Mousewares” collection of kitchenware we found in Walt Disney World, and now another new line of kitchen accessories have arrived at World of Disney. Check out these magical new aprons, and adorable new potholders, all themed to some of your favorite Disney animated …
College Athlete Claiming He Lost his Season After Being Run Over by Scooter is Suing Walt Disney World
Staff Writer
According to a report by Orlando Sentinel, a college basketball player is suing Walt Disney World after being run into by a scooter while at the resort, claiming it cost him his season. David Maynard from Colgate University in Hamilton, New York, suffered the incident while at Disney’s Hollywood Studios back in May 2018. According …
SHOP: New Minnie Mouse Americana Sequined Ear Headband Arrives on shopDisney
Staff Writer
Fourth of July is fast approaching, meaning it’s time to bust out the red, white and blue and accessorize with patriotic stars and stripes. Earlier in the month, a new collection of Americana merchandise arrived on shopDisney, shining bright with United States pride. Now, a new pair of Minnie Mouse ears have arrived on the …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Disney Character and New Mickey Mouse Pride Face Masks Now On Sale at Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
If you ordered Disney Face Masks when they debuted on shopDisney earlier this year, and are looking to obtain more in person, they are now on sale at Disney Springs! Here, we’ll walk you through the process of obtaining them, plus give you a first look at these masks out of the bag. The face …
PHOTO: Disney World “Social Distancing” Cast Members Now Called “THE INCREDI-CREW”, Given Themed Masks
Jessica Figueroa
In addition to the new “The Incredibles” themed health and safety reminders that will welcome guests back to Walt Disney World, the social distancing team (formerly Resort Activities Counselors) is being renamed into The Incredi-Crew! Not only will these Cast Members be getting cool new colorblock face masks, they’ll also be donning bright new shirts …
Shanghai Disneyland Expands Standby Pass System for “Disney Color-Fest” Show, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and More
Staff Writer
After a successful launch of the Standby Pass system a week ago, Shanghai Disney resort is not only using the Standby Pass not only for “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” ride, but a slew of attractions and shows, including TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and the new “Disney Color-Fest” show. …
PHOTOS: Hong Kong Disneyland Reopens After Unprecedented Closure; Welcomes Back Very First Guests
Staff Writer
Hong Kong Disneyland reopened today to locals with enhanced health and safety procedures, welcoming guests back––and we’ve got full coverage of the grand reopening! We followed along via livestream as local media captured the first hours of the reopening. Select guests and media were let in early this morning to the theme park, excited to …
Disney Parks Launches New Health and Safety Campaign Themed to “The Incredibles” For Reopenings
Jessica Figueroa
This morning, Disney has unveiled a new health and safety campaign ahead of its U.S. theme park reopenings––and it’s themed to none other than The Incredibles! The announcement was presented earlier today on Good Morning America by Chief Medical Officer of Disney Parks Dr. Pamela Hymel: “As we take our first steps in the phased …
ParksCenter – Hong Kong Opening, Contactless Security, and Housekeeping Plans – Ep. 106
Ben
This is ParksCenter. This week, we’ll be covering Hong Kong Disneyland’s plans for reopening, the possibility of a new contactless security screening, further details on housekeeping in the era of COVID-19, and more! Want to watch? The video version is embedded below, or check out our audio-only version on iTunes, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, or search for ParksCenter …
PHOTOS: A Look at the New Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland’s Grand Reopening
Jessica Figueroa
Today marked a historic moment as Hong Kong Disneyland reopened after the unprecedented wave of closures due to COVID-19. Due to the time difference, the park is already open and welcomed its first wave of enthusiastic guests. While guests were eager to enter the park once again, a great big reveal was in store as …
VIDEO: Watch the Grand Reopening of Hong Kong Disneyland via Livestream
Jessica Figueroa
Are you ready to watch the magic start back up again at yet another Disney Park? Hong Kong Disneyland will reopen today to locals with enhanced health and safety procedures, welcoming guests back to see the latest progress on the Castle of Magical Dreams. You can watch the reopening of Hong Kong Disneyland LIVE through …
PHOTOS: Universal Studios Japan Introducing Reusable “My Bags” Ahead of Plastic Bag Tax
Spencer Lloyd
As Japan moves to encourage more eco-friendly behaviors, the national government passed a law last year which instated a plastic bag tax effective July 1st. As such, Universal Studios Japan has announced that it will be discouraging plastic bag usage across the park from this date, and will encourage Guests to buy stylish “My Bag” …
Walt Disney World Not Selling 7- and 14-Day Tickets in the UK Beyond September 13th, 2021
Matthew Soberman
People in the United Kingdom looking to be at Walt Disney World on its 50th anniversary won’t be able to use 7- or 14-day tickets to be there. When trying to buy the tickets on the Walt Disney Travel Company’s UK website, guests are met with a message saying that tickets are not currently available …
SHOP: Select “it’s a small world” Collection Items from Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Restocked on shopDisney
Shannen Ace
While future series of the Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction collection have been suspended for the summer, shopDisney has restocked some of April’s “it’s a small world” series. Each collection includes a Minnie Mouse plushie, mug, pin set, bag, and ears. For now, only the plushie, mug, and pin set have been restocked on shopDisney.com. …
TONIGHT: ParksCenter – Hong Kong Opening, Contactless Security, and Housekeeping Plans – Ep. 106
Ben
Tonight, June 17th at 9pm Eastern, will be the next edition of WDWNT’s ParksCenter! This week, we’ll be covering Hong Kong Disneyland’s plans for reopening, the possibility of a new contactless security screening, further details on housekeeping in the era of COVID-19, and more! Want to watch us record the show live? Tune in tonight …
Two Walt Disney World Cast Members Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
Matthew Soberman
Two Walt Disney World cast members have been arrested and face up to forty combined felony counts of possession of child pornography, according to Boston’s WHDH. The Polk County Sheriff’s office made the announcement on Tuesday that the pair were part of sixteen arrests that resulted from Operation Guardians of Innocence V, which identified “those …
Universal Cinemark at CityWalk Reopening on July 3 with $5 Showings of “Jaws”, “Back to the Future”, “Ghostbusters”, and More
Jessica Figueroa
It’s time to take that walk down the aisle again. Universal Cinemark at CityWalk is reopening its theaters on July 3! Cinemark will be welcoming back guests with increased health and safety measures, including reduced auditorium capacities, staggered showtimes, increased seat cleaning, and contactless payment and ticketing for social distancing. Facial masks or coverings will …
Walt Disney World Begins Processing Annual Passholder Expiration Date Extensions Ahead of Reopening
Jessica Figueroa
With its theme parks reopening in just under a month, Walt Disney World has begun processing its promised extensions of Annual Passholder expiration dates. New dates can be checked on My Disney Experience app. Passes will be extended for the full duration of the park closure, with reports indicating a 4-month extension from March 16 …
First Look at New Theme Park Reservation System for Disneyland and Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
Just when we all thought we were FastPass and MaxPass experts; professionals of the ins-and-outs of dining reservations and room bookings at Disney Parks, the rug has been pulled out from under us with the introduction of the all-new Theme Park Reservation system at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Disney has yet to release additional …
Every New Release Coming to Disney+ in July: “Hamilton” and “Muppets Now” Premiere, and “A Pre-Opening Report of Disneyland” Special from 1955
Staff Writer
As the summer heat start to amp up, it’s nice to stay inside where the air conditioning works… and what better way to stay cool than by watching all of these new arrivals coming to Disney+ this next month in July? There are a lot of exciting new releases, but if you’re still looking for …
PHOTOS: New Temperature Screening Area Set Up For Disney Resort Guests Arriving by Bus at Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
Earlier today, we saw a fleet of buses parked at each resort station at Disney Springs in preparation for the initial resort reopenings coming up on Monday, June 22. While many have questioned what the new protocols for Disney transportation will be, it seems guests arriving by bus at Disney Springs will have to undergo …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ Reopens with New Social Distancing Guidelines and “Shine Bar + Social” Patio at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
Today marked the grand reopening of Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs, one of the last but most highly-anticipated restaurants to do so since the closures caused by COVID-19. It was announced earlier in the week that the restaurant would open its doors today, albeit with a limited menu, so we had to get …
PHOTOS: Buses Staged at Disney Springs Ahead of Resort Reopenings; Bus Queues Set Up for Social Distancing
Jessica Figueroa
With numerous Disney Vacation Club Resorts and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground reopening on Monday, June 22, Disney’s on-site transportation teams have been revving up to welcome back guests. While the theme parks remain closed, complimentary transportation from Disney Resort hotels to Disney Springs will resume. Disney Springs area resorts, like Disney’s Saratoga Springs …
