TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (6/11/20): Splash Mountain Closing, Tony’s Town Squares, and Bad Theme Park Social Distancing Ideas!
Tom Corless
Tonight! It’s WDW News Tonight! Join us at 9PM ET for a review of the week’s news, a discussion on the political incorrectness of Splash Mountain, bad theme park social distancing ideas, and more! The show can be watched live at WDWNTunes.com on your computer or mobile device (but it is also available on Twitter, …
Disneyland Paris Holding Character Auditions For Halloween and Christmas Season
Jessica Figueroa
With indications of an imminent July reopening for Disneyland Paris, it seems the park is gearing up for the upcoming holiday season, holding Character Auditions for Halloween and Christmas. The following listings have been posted on the Disneyland Paris Careers site: The park’s Entertainment Casting department is looking for “enthusiastic and highly energetic people to …
PHOTOS: New “Where Dreams Come True” Disney Parks MagicBand Now Available at Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
For those of us suffering from MagicBand-tapping withdrawals, there’s some new wrist candy available at Disney Springs so you can come up with the perfect outfit-MagicBand combination for your first day back in the parks. Just in at Disney Pin Traders in Disney Springs is this cream-colored MagicBand with gold fireworks accents and a gilded …
PHOTOS: New Indiana Jones Adventure 25th Anniversary Disney Parks Signature Puzzle Swings Into Disney Springs
Staff Writer
The beloved attraction, Indiana Jones Adventure, has been celebrating its 25th anniversary over at the Disneyland Resort this year, with a whole artifactual log of merchandise being released in its honor back in March. It looks like some of the releases have trekked their way across to Walt Disney World, as today we unearthed this …
New “Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives” Documentary Premiering Exclusively for D23 Gold Members; Registration Opens on June 15
Jessica Figueroa
The Walt Disney Archives are celebrating a big anniversary this month, with June 22 marking the 50th anniversary of the Archives’ founding! In celebration, D23 is hosting a very special debut—the premiere of the new documentary Adventure Thru the Walt Disney Archives, which celebrates the lasting legacy of the Archives and provides an inside look at …
PHOTOS: New Hello Kitty Face Masks Debut at Universal Orlando Resort
Jessica Figueroa
At this rate, we’ll have a Universal Studios mask for every day of the week! Hot on the heels of the release of new Universal Studios Florida 30th Anniversary face masks, Hello Kitty has debuted a face covering of her own, and it’s the perfect way to stay cute and protected. With the reopening of …
PHOTOS: New Universal Studios Florida 30th Anniversary Neon Marquee Face Masks Now Available
Jessica Figueroa
SEE THE STARS, RIDE THE MOVIES. (WEAR A MASK.) Adding to its collection of Universal Studios Florida 30th Anniversary merchandise, Universal Orlando has just debuted these amazing new neon marquee face masks, available for purchase throughout the resort. The face mask features the Universal Studios Florida logo from when the park first opened in 1990. …
New “The Haunted Mansion” Funko Set Coming Soon to Disney Parks; Available for Pre-Order on Amazon
Jessica Figueroa
Are the parks actually reopening? Or is it just my imagination? Funko has just revealed one of the coolest new sets we’ve seen in a while. Fans of The Haunted Mansion will be thrilled to get their hands on this new set, which includes Disneyland’s version of the mansion, plus a very unenthused butler. The …
Proposed New “Explore America” Tax Credit Would Grant Up To $4,000 Per Household For Travel To Hotels, Theme Parks, and More
Jessica Figueroa
If you’re yearning to plan a trip this year, but find that finances are tight after the pandemic, the U.S. tourism industry may just come to the rescue. Industry lobbyists in hotel, theme park, and other tourism sectors are lobbying for a plan that would provide travelers with $4,000 in tax breaks for their upcoming …
SHOP: New Disney Princess Ceramic Dinnerware Set Now Available for Pre-Order from Toynk
Staff Writer
If you’re a fan of Disney dining and adore having friends over for regal dinner parties, you’re bound to love this exquisite new collection of ceramic dinnerware from Toynk, themed around four iconic Disney Princesses. You may remember that we shared a collection like this with you back in March, when the first 16-piece set …
SHOP: Universal Studios Florida 30th Anniversary Retro Merchandise Arrives Online
Matthew Soberman
For three decades, Universal Studios Florida has been the place to “Ride the Movies.” And to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the park’s collection of retro merchandise featuring the classic marquee logo has arrived on Universal Orlando’s website! The collection features iconography from such beloved attractions past and present as Jaws, Back to the Future: The …
PHOTOS: New Track, Scenic Set Supports Installed at Jurassic Park “Velocicoaster” at Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Matthew Soberman
Work is progressing quickly at Islands of Adventure on the unannounced Jurassic Park “Velocicoaster.” Since our last visit, new additions have been made around the area of this yet-to-be-announced attraction. Looking across as the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, new track has been laid closest to the building, suggesting that riders will pass by it twice …
Disney and Beyoncé in Negotiations for a Three Picture Deal That Would See Her Join The Cast of “Black Panther 2”
Joe Hogarty
Disney and Beyoncé are working out the details of a $100 million mega-deal that would see the singer/actress sign with Disney for three movies. The deal would see Beyoncé join the cast of “Black Panther 2” along with two more additional films. Disney is also negotiating with Beyoncé to narrate new documentaries that will air …
Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ in Disney Springs Reopening on June 17 with All-New Patio Bar
Staff Writer
Get ready to reunite with some fried chicken, because Chef Art Smith’s Homecomin’ is fixin’ to reopen on June 17th! Early this morning on Instagram, Chef Art posted a short “Welcome Home” video to all his patrons announcing that the southern-style eatery will be reopening its doors at Disney Springs, this coming Wednesday. As a …
ParksCenter – Disneyland’s Reopening Dates, and Florida’s Park Reservation System – Ep. 105
Ben
This is ParksCenter. This week, we’ll be covering the details of Disneyland’s proposed reopening, the latest details on the park reservation system, updates on hotel operations and activities, 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 in your favorite …
Disney Parks Fans Petition for Splash Mountain to be Re-themed Into “Princess and the Frog” Attraction Due to Racial Stereotypes
Jessica Figueroa
If you recall the initial debut of the Disney+ streaming service back in November, viewers were shocked to see “content warnings” placed on several shows and movies, even including beloved Disney animated classics like Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, and The Aristocats. With the recent launch of HBO Max, a similar issue arose surrounding the …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Art of Disney and World of Memories Reopens at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
Welcome to the arts! With many of the stores reopening today at Disney Springs, Art of Disney and World of Memories has reopened today as well with new social distancing measures in place. Right from the moment you walk in through the designated entrance, there are social distancing markers in place for guests to queue …
Disneyland Resort Temporarily Pausing New Ticket Sales, Annual Passport Sales and Renewals
Jessica Figueroa
Given the imminent reopening of Disneyland Resort, Disney has announced that all new ticket sales, as well as sales and renewals of Annual Passports, will be temporarily paused for the time being. As stated in the new “Know Before You Go” experience updates page on Disneyland’s website: New Ticket Sales At this time, we are also temporarily …
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier to Reopen on July 23; Disneyland Hotel Reopening “at a Later Date”
Jessica Figueroa
If you’re looking for a place to stay for the reopening of Disneyland Resort, be aware that not all of the resort hotels will be available for guests. As part of the reopening announcement, it was revealed that Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney’s Paradise Pier to will be reopening on July 23, …
TONIGHT: ParksCenter – Disneyland’s Reopening Dates, and Florida’s Park Reservation System – Ep. 105
Ben
Tonight, June 10th at 9pm Eastern, will be the next edition of WDWNT’s ParksCenter! This week, we’ll be covering the details of Disneyland’s proposed reopening, the latest details on the park reservation system, updates on hotel operations and activities, and more! Want to watch us record the show live? Tune in tonight at 9pm Eastern …
Disneyland Resort to Utilize New Theme Park Reservation System for Guests and Annual Passholders Upon Reopening
Jessica Figueroa
With the proposed reopening dates for Disneyland Resort officially announced, you may be getting ready to grab your Minnie Ears and go, but similar to the new system implemented at Shanghai Disneyland and already announced for Walt Disney World, guests will need to secure a reservation in advance for park entry. The full details can …
Josh D’Amaro Pens Thoughtful Message on the Reopening of Disney Parks Worldwide
Jessica Figueroa
Josh D’Amaro, recently-named Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, has always been a “man of the people”, and in light of the recent announcement for a proposed Disneyland Resort reopening, he has issued a thoughtful letter reflecting on these announcements, and reassuring guests that the magic is indeed returning. You can read his full …
BREAKING: Disneyland Resort to Begin Phased Reopening July 9, Proposed Reopening of Theme Parks July 17
Jessica Figueroa
Disneyland Resort has officially announced its reopening plans after the COVID-19 shutdown. The full announcement can be viewed below. Sixty-five years to the date after the historic opening of Disneyland park, we are planning to open our theme park gates once again on July 17, 2020, welcoming guests back to the Disneyland Resort. Disney Parks, Experiences …
PHOTOS: Raglan Road Irish Pub and Shop for Ireland Store Reopens at Disney Springs with Unique Social Distancing Signage
Staff Writer
Can you hear an Irish jig in the distance? That’s because Raglan Road Irish Pub has reopened today at Disney Springs! The restaurant has reopened its doors, along with other restaurants that have begun to reopen in phases with new social distancing measures in place. Raglan Road staff even put a face mask on the …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: MARVEL Super Hero Headquarters Reopens at Disney Springs with No Build Stations and New Social Distancing Measures
Staff Writer
Disney Springs began its phased reopening of stores and restaurants back on May 20th, yet some of our favorite stores are only just reopening today. One of the stores we were looking forward to exploring once more is the MARVEL Super Hero Headquarters, located on the West Side of Disney Springs. Let’s take a look …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Disney’s Days of Christmas Store Reopens at Disney Springs with Personalization Services and New Social Distancing Measures
Staff Writer
There’s a magical little place in Disney Springs where Christmas can be celebrated all year ’round. Unfortunately, COVID-19 closures left us without that festive cheer for far too long. Now, we’re thrilled to report that Disney’s Days of Christmas store has now reopened at Disney Springs, and we went to check out all the ornaments, …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Candy Cauldron Reopens at Disney Springs with Treats, Candy Dispensers, and Social Distancing
Staff Writer
Magic Mirror on the wall. Which is the fairest candy store of them all? Disney’s Candy Cauldron, of course, located on the West Side of Disney Springs. The store has reopened today for the first time since the COVID-19 closures, and we went inside to take a look at all the tasty treats on offer, …
CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood Begins Phased Reopening Today
Jessica Figueroa
Universal Studios Hollywood has officially announced that the phased reopening of CityWalk will begin today, starting at noon. Select venues are open for limited operations from 12pm – 8pm daily, individual venue hours may vary. As with Universal Orlando CityWalk, new health and safety guidelines will be in place, including temperature checks and required face …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Goofy’s Candy Co. Reopens at Disney Springs with New Health & Safety Guidelines; Bulk Candy Dispensers Available
Staff Writer
Although Disney Springs began its phased reopening back on May 20th, we have been longing to feel that sweet sugar rush once again, one that can only be achieved by visiting a classic Disney Springs store. Where might that place be? Goofy’s Candy Co. of course! The store finally reopened at the Disney Springs Marketplace …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: DisneyStyle Reopens at Disney Springs with a Virtual Queue and No Fitting Rooms
Staff Writer
We’ve been eagerly awaiting the reopening of DisneyStyle, checking every day since Disney Springs reopened to see when we could be let back in to shop all of the fun and fashionable designs that are available in store. Today, the retailer reopened along with many other Disney-owned shops as well. A Virtual Queue has been …
PHOTOS: New Baby Yoda Walt Disney World Balloon Arrives at Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
While roaming through Disney Springs today, we felt a strong presence of the Force… one that ultimately led us to a very valuable discovery. New at the shopping and dining district are these adorable Baby Yoda balloons, mixed in with the other usual Mickey-shaped and Frozen-themed balloons. The slightly purple-hued balloon features Baby Yoda wandering …
REVIEW: Who Hash in a Can Proves We Like Green Eggs and Ham at Seuss Landing in Islands of Adventure
Annie Wilson
Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? Most of us probably don’t know, because the Green Eggs and Ham quick-service location in Seuss Landing was closed for a very, very long time. There are just some things I never thought I’d live long enough to see, and the reopening of Green Eggs and Ham was …
June 2020 Disney Parks Pin Releases: “Pocahontas” 25th Anniversary, Enchanted Tiki Room, Tomorrowland PeopleMover Park Cruiser, Stitch for Independence Day, and More
Staff Writer
With Limited Edition merchandise releases still relegated to shopDisney for the time being (despite the reopening of Pin Traders at Disney Springs), we have a sneak peek of the upcoming releases thanks to our friends at the Disney Pins Blog. Below, you can view all of the releases for June. As a reminder, these go …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Disney Pin Traders Reopens at Disney Springs with No Limited Edition Pins or Trading
Jessica Figueroa
Despite no prior announcement, a number of Disney-owned and operated stores at Disney Springs reopened today, with Disney Pin Traders being one of the biggest re-openings since the shopping and entertainment district began welcoming back guests in mid-May. If you collect Disney pins, you may have become familiar with the cumbersome process that is attempting …
PHOTOS: Universal Studios Beijing Unveils Concept Art & Details for CityWalk
Spencer Lloyd
The Universal Beijing Resort is still scheduled to open sometime in 2021 despite COVID-19 setbacks earlier this year. And just recently, the resort revealed a whole slew of details and concept art for this resort’s version of CityWalk! Every Universal resort worldwide (except Singapore) features a CityWalk shopping and entertainment district, and it looks like …
Major League Soccer to be Housed at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for Upcoming “MLS is Back” Tournament
Jessica Figueroa
After months of speculation, Disney has officially announced that Major League Soccer will be resuming its 25th season at Walt Disney World Resort, hosting the MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from July 8 to August 11. The unique tournament will include all 26 MLS clubs competing in a continuous schedule of 54 total matches that will …
PHOTOS: Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories Reopens at Disney Springs with a Virtual Queue System
Jessica Figueroa
As we announced earlier today, a slew of Disney-owned and operated stores are reopening today at Disney Springs, and among the first to welcome back visitors was Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories. The store has reopened with a Virtual Queue system in place similar to the one being used at World of Disney and …
DisneyStyle, Candy Cauldron, Star Wars Galactic Outpost, and MARVEL Super Hero Headquarters Reopening Today at Disney Springs
Jessica Figueroa
Along with a slew of other Disney-owned and operated stores, we’ve just received confirmation of four more locations reopening today at Disney Springs, including DisneyStyle, Candy Cauldron, Star Wars Galactic Outpost, and the MARVEL Super Hero Headquarters, all located on the West Side of Disney Springs. We’ve been checking in on these locations since the …
Major League Soccer Officially Resuming 25th Season at Walt Disney World with “MLS is Back Tournament” Starting July 8
Jessica Figueroa
After months of speculation, Disney has officially announced the first of many sports leagues heading to Walt Disney World to resume their season after the COVID-19 shutdown: Major League Soccer. Major League Soccer will resume its 25th season at Walt Disney World Resort, hosting the MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex from July 8 to August …
Disneyland Paris Run Weekend 5th Edition Postponed to Fall 2021; Refund and Cancellation Details Announced
Jessica Figueroa
Disneyland Paris has released an update regarding the upcoming Disneyland Paris Run Weekend, which was set to take place from September 24 – 27, 2020. The following announcement was released by Disneyland Paris regarding the upcoming event: We continue to make adjustments to our operations as appropriate and therefore, the Disneyland Paris Run Weekend 5th …
