VIDEO: Oregon Family Recreates Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Finding Nemo: The Musical While Sheltering-in-Place
Staff Writer
We are all dealing with sheltering-in-place due to the novel coronavirus in our ways. Baking, reading, hiking, and working on household projects are some of the most popular activities. However, the Westover/Booren family decided to do something much more musical and recreated Disney’s Animal’s Kingdom’s Finding Nemo: The Musical from home. Sisters Casey and Charlotte …
Top 3 Locations to Dine With Food Allergies in Walt Disney World Part 10: Resorts – Quick Service
Staff Writer
We have reached the final part of our dining with food allergies series, and what a wild ride it has been. For part 10, we’re going to cover three quick-service restaurants located at Disney’s Grand Floridian, Port Orleans, and Caribbean Beach Resorts. You may not see an allergy menu at these quick-service locations, but don’t …
SHOP: WDWNT Releases Two More Disney Parks Inspired Face Masks on TeePublic
Staff Writer
WDWNT has released two more Disney Parks-themed face masks on TeePublic to bring a little bit of magic to your day, whether you wear them in the parks, at work, or while enjoying the great outdoors. The new mask designs are inspired by two well-loved Walt Disney World attractions: Tomorrowland’s classic Carousel of Progress and …
TODAY on WDWNT LIVE: All About Cosplay on Colleen’s Craft Corner at 11:00 AM, PLUS “Pressing Issues” Talks Universal Reopening at 8:00 PM
Staff Writer
Welcome to another week of quarantine in the weird world of post-Disney closures! The parks may be closed off for now, but we’re trying to bring you as much entertainment as possible, with daily lineups full of fun YouTube content. This morning, join our host Colleen as she talks about the art of cosplay and shares …
PHOTOS: Social Distancing Lines Set Up Ahead of Universal Orlando Resort’s Reopening
Staff Writer
We are still 12 days away from Universal Orlando Resort’s official reopening on June 5, 2020, but there are already signs of how the park will be handling the social distancing orders. The aerial shot above, taken by a friend of WDWNT @bioreconstruct shows markers in place in front of the outdoor stage in Hogsmeade …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 5/23/20 (Volcom Dressing Rooms Closed, Wolfgang Puck Outdoor Seating, Memorial Day Bath Bombs)
Staff Writer
Good morning from another quiet day at Disney Springs. Today, we took a look at some of the latest developments inside the shopping district during Phase 1 reopening. As has been the situation all week, Orange Garage remains the only parking structure opening early in the morning, with only the eastbound entrance available to guests. …
Oriental Land Company Secures ¥200 Billion Line of Credit to Support Extended Tokyo Disney Resort Closure
Spencer Lloyd
In an effort to support the Tokyo Disney Resort during its extended closure, however long it may last, the Oriental Land Company secured a ¥200 billion, or about $1.858 billion, line of credit through Japanese megabank Mizuho this month. According to NHK (in Japanese), Oriental Land signed a contract with Mizuho Bank on May 15th to …
Universal Studios Japan “Allowed to Reopen” as State of Emergency Ends in Osaka
Spencer Lloyd
With the state of emergency called off in Osaka and surrounding prefectures, Universal Studios Japan, closed alongside Tokyo Disney Resort since February 29th, will be allowed to reopen as soon as they desire, according to Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura. The Kansai area, consisting of Osaka, Hyogo, and Kyoto prefectures, had its state of emergency called …
PHOTOS: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Welcomes Kirana, a Newborn Babirusa Piglet
Staff Writer
It’s a girl! On Thursday, Disney’s Animal Kingdom announced the birth of its first babirusa piglet. Pictured above, healthy and bonding with her mom inside their den, the piglet was given the name Kirana, which means sunbeam in Indonesian. Kirana’s parents, Betty and Mentari were chosen to breed through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) overseen …
VIDEO: EPCOT’s Mariachi Cobre Performs ‘Remember Me’ from Disney and Pixar’s “Coco”
Staff Writer
As part of Disney’s #VoicesFromHome project, which enlists popular musicians within the Disney family to perform some of the company’s greatest hits, today we head south of the border with Mariachi Cobre for a spirited performance of “Remember Me” from Disney and Pixar’s Coco. Well-known across the world for their vibrant and warm performances at …
PHOTOS: First Look at Completed New Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Staff Writer
WDWNT’s photographer friend @bioreconstruct took to the sky to show us the newly-completed Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which was rebuilt as an initial part of the expansion ongoing at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for the upcoming Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge. Imagineers have redesigned the Tri-Circle-D Ranch, which will offer a modern stable and updated …
SHOP: New Los Angeles Spirit Jersey Featuring Classic Mickeys Now Available on shopDisney
Staff Writer
Whether you’re suffering from wanderlust or missing that Disney movie magic while stuck in quarantine, there’s a new Spirit Jersey for you. shopDisney have just released a brand-new jersey, “Los Angeles”-branded and featuring an allover print of Mickey Mouse from his most famed movie appearances. This Spirit Jersey is off-white, with a faded print featuring …
California Governor Gavin Newsom Approves “Full” Stage 2 Reopening for Orange County; No Reopening Date Set for Disneyland Resort
Staff Writer
California Governor Gavin Newsom approved Stage 2 of the gradual reopening plan for the state today, May 23, 2020. Despite this announcement, which means a larger variety of local businesses will be permitted to reopen, there is still no official reopening date set for Disneyland Resort. The new rules set in place will allow for …
PHOTOS: New PatcheD Featuring Hong Kong Disneyland’s “Castle of Magical Dreams” Released
Shannen Ace
If you’ve been keeping an eye on Hong Kong Disneyland news, you know that their castle is currently being transformed from Sleeping Beautys Castle to the Castle of Magical Dreams. Despite the closure of all Disney theme parks and the halting of construction at domestic parks, work has continued on the Castle of Magical Dreams. …
PHOTOS: Kiehl’s, Francesca’s, Tumi, and Tommy Bahama Reopen With Cashless Payments and Social Distancing at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
After Phase 1 reopening of Disney Springs began this week, several stores in the shopping district have begun to open their doors after initially remaining closed for the first few days. Today, four merchants reopened to welcome guests at Disney Springs. Kiehl’s Outside of Kiehl’s, signs for social distancing and line markers are on the …
NBA Confirms That They Are In “Exploratory Conversations” With Disney Regarding Use of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex as Future Campus
Staff Writer
We previously reported that the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World was the clear frontrunner to house the NBA for the remainder of its 2019-2020 season, and the NBA has just released a very interesting statement on Twitter. Executive Vice President of Communications Mike Bass confirmed that the NBA and the …
SHOP: Adorable New Faux Fur “Star Wars” Chewbacca Loungefly Backpack and Wallet Coming Soon
Staff Writer
We all know by now that Loungefly are killing it with their Star Wars collections of purses, and we can’t get enough of the amazing designs they come up with. So far, we’ve seen purses depicting Ewoks, Baby Yoda, Sith Troopers and more. Now, we’re absolutely loving their latest release, an adorable backpack and wallet …
RECIPE: Seize the Luck of the Irish with Our DIY Guinness Baileys Shake from EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
Staff Writer
Smooth, creamy, balanced, the Guinness Baileys Shake that was served at the annual EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival is as indulgent as it sounds. Keep reading to learn how to make it at home! Baileys, Not As Irish As You Think Baileys was invented in London in 1973 by a team of professionals hired …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 5/22/20 (Additional Restaurant Openings, Aerophile Takes Flight, Masks for Sale, and More)
Kevin Lake
Greetings from a beautiful, albeit warm, Disney Springs! We’re checking out Walt Disney World’s shopping and dining district to see all of the changes occurring on day 3 of the phased reopening. Let’s get our temperatures checked and head on in. One of the most exciting changes we saw today was Aerophile once again takings …
TODAY on WDWNT LIVE: “Locked In” with Eric Morton and a Citizen of Hollywood at 11:00 AM, PLUS An All-Night Cast Member Pantry Donation Marathon Starting at 9:00 PM!
Jessica Figueroa
Welcome to another week of quarantine in the weird world of post-Disney closures! The parks may be closed off for now, but we’re trying to bring you as much entertainment as possible, with daily lineups full of fun YouTube content. Today at 11:00 AM, it’s time for “Locked In with Eric Morton”! Join us for a weekly …
More Menu Changes Come to Disney Springs After Reopening
Staff Writer
Disney Springs has only been reopened to the public since Wednesday, but two more eateries, Paradiso 37 and Sprinkles, have omitted several items from their menus. Whether these items have been temporarily removed due to supplier issues or other reasons surrounding the health crisis, we don’t know, but below, you’ll find a complete listing of …
Disney Files Patent on Highly-Calibrated AR “Lightsaber” Experience, Possibly Connected to Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser at Walt Disney World
Matthew Soberman
A new patent granted to Disney suggests that new technology would help make lightsaber training at Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser as close as it appears in the movies. The patent, granted May 19th, is for the calibration of a magnetometer within a device used as part of an augmented or virtual reality game. The system …
Find “Adventure in Disneyland” in this Richfield Oil Promotional Comic Book from 1955
Matthew Soberman
With Disney Parks around the world closed for the foreseeable future, WDWNT is dipping into our archives of vintage parks materials for a look back into parks history! Today, we’re heading all the way back to 1955 for a sneak peek at the park that started all with this Adventure in Disneyland by Richfield promotional comic …
Walt Disney World Surveying Guests About Face Mask Requirements and Health & Safety Procedures Ahead of Park Reopening
Jessica Figueroa
Reading through any comments section on posts regarding face mask use or new stringent health and safety guidelines at the parks will render it clear that these new protocols are divisive amongst parkgoers, to say the least. There are guests that are scared of other guests not wearing masks or adhering to the new regulations, …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney Springs 5/21/20 (No Crowds, Social Distancing Markers, Construction Updates)
Staff Writer
Good morning from an absolutely empty Disney Springs. Today, we walked through the shopping district’s second day of operations after Phase 1 reopening began. Just like day one, temperature screening checkpoints were in place for all guests and cast members arriving. Unlike yesterday’s reopening, the crowds were nonexistent throughout the day. Disney Springs security were …
REVIEW: The Basket at Wine Bar George Offers New Loaded French Fries to Pair with Popular Frozen Drinks
Jessica Figueroa
We’re back at Disney Springs today to oversee the reopenings of Pizza Ponte and Morimoto Asia, with the surprise reopening of Aerophile as well. However, any trip around the Springs will open up the appetite, and when we saw Wine Bar George tweet about their “new” Frozen & Fries combos, we beelined our way to …
Walt Disney World Considering Reopening Park at 20-30% Limited Capacity
Jessica Figueroa
Walt Disney World remains silent on the subject of its park reopenings, likely monitoring the progress of the ongoing phased reopening at Disney Springs. In the meantime, Universal Orlando has gone from presenting its reopening plans, to proposing a reopening date, having it approved on county and state levels, and announcing an official reopening to the …
Terralina Crafted Italian and Paddlefish Restaurant Will Reopen on May 29 at Disney Springs
Staff Writer
As more of Disney Springs slowly comes back to life with phased reopenings, we now know the reopening of two more restaurants. Terralina Crafted Italian and Paddlefish will be reopening on May 29 from 12pm-8pm, joining the many other restaurants that have reopened already with new social distancing measures. https://www.instagram.com/p/CAf9mZZF97j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link https://www.instagram.com/p/CAf9mikla-9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link Both of the Levy …
Universal Orlando Passholders Will Be Invited to Special Reopening Previews Before June 5
Jessica Figueroa
Whether you’re a proud Universal Orlando Passholder, or you simply have one for your yearly Halloween Horror Nights pilgrimage, it’s going to come in extra handy in the following weeks. Universal has announced that Passholders will be invited to be among the very first to come enjoy the reopening of Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, …
Universal Orlando Will Not Require Reservations For June 5 Reopening; Additional Details Released on Face Masks, Attractions, and Volcano Bay
Jessica Figueroa
Universal Orlando has officially announced its June 5 reopening for all three of its theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. For a full overview of all the new guidelines and operational changes leading up to their June 5 reopening, click here. We also have a photo report of the grand opening of …
BREAKING: Universal Orlando Officially Announces Reopening of Theme Parks Beginning June 5
Jessica Figueroa
Universal Orlando has officially announced that it will be reopening all three of its theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay on June 5th. We're getting ready to re-open! Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay will welcome guests beginning 6/5. Everyone must follow UOR and CDC guidelines: https://t.co/5IA1TCnsfX …
“WDWNT Live” to Benefit The Cast Member Pantry Airs LIVE May 23rd at 9PM with Games, Auctions, and More!
Tom Corless
With tens of thousands of Walt Disney World Cast Members affected by the COVID-19 closures, one Cast Member has stepped up to assist other “CMs” in need with The Cast Member Pantry, a donation-based pantry where employees can book a 15-minute window to stop by and “shop” free of charge. Cast Members can email Cast Member …
DISNEY+ REVIEW: Pixar’s “OUT” is a Charming and Funny Queer Short
Staff Writer
The views expressed in this review are solely those of the reviewer and do not necessarily represent the views of WDWNT. Today on Disney+, PIXAR released “OUT”, a short film part of their Sparkshort’s series. It was written and directed by Steven Clay Hunter, an animator who worked on 3-D animation projects starting from Disney’s …
PHOTOS: Pizza Ponte Reopens at Disney Springs with Cashless Payments, Social Distancing, and More
Jessica Figueroa
Pizza Ponte, home of “the largest slice of pizza at Disney Springs” has reopened at the shopping and dining complex today, along with Morimoto Asia. The quick-service restaurant reopened under Patina Restaurant Group’s new “Dine Safe” initiative, a comprehensive program in response to COVID-19. A dedicated entrance and exit has been established, with the entrance to Maria …
Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort Guest Relations Releases Statement Regarding Ongoing Closures, Reservation Modifications, and More
Jessica Figueroa
Disney Parks Guest Relations has released a statement regarding the ongoing park closures. You can read the full statement below. An update from Guest Relations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort Dear Guests, It’s an understatement to say that the past few months have been a challenging time for us all. As …
SHOP: New “Monsters University” Tote by Harveys Now Available on shopDisney
Staff Writer
Are you ready to be the most fashionable person on the scare floor? Harveys has released just the right accessory to show your school spirit with this all-new Monsters University Tote. Made of durable automotive seatbelts, this new bag features Sulley and Mike Wazowski screen art printed on one side complete with their varsity jackets …
PHOTOS: Aerophile Reopens at Disney Springs with Social Distancing Measures in Place for Flights
Jessica Figueroa
Aerophile, formerly known as the Characters in Flight balloon ride at Disney Springs has reopened today with modifications for social distancing. The flights are dependent on weather, so if conditions are too windy, they cannot run tours. However, conditions were perfect today. Here’s how the new social distancing setup works: Social distancing markers have been …
Orange County Mayor Endorses Universal Orlando’s Plans for Phased Reopening, Submitted to Governor DeSantis for Final Approval
Jessica Figueroa
Yesterday, Universal Orlando became the first major Florida theme park to submit reopening plans for approval by the state. Universal Orlando Resort plans to reopen its theme parks on June 5 to the public, with soft reopenings for Team Members starting on June 1. From June 3-4, only invited guests (such as Annual Passholders) will be …
PHOTOS: EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Character Topiaries and Butterfly House Removed During Extended Parks Closure
Jessica Figueroa
New images from our favorite aerial parks photographer @bioreconstruct on Twitter show some interesting developments on the ground at EPCOT with regards to the disrupted Flower & Garden Festival. While maintenance and landscaping continues throughout the property thanks to the work of essential Cast Members, the festival’s iconic flower beds and character topiaries, as well …
TODAY on WDWNT LIVE: We Rank the Top MARVEL Movies at 11:00 AM, Plus WDWNT Staff Disney Parks Memories at 9:00 PM!
Jessica Figueroa
Welcome to another week of quarantine in the weird world of post-Disney closures! The parks may be closed off for now, but we’re trying to bring you as much entertainment as possible, with daily lineups full of fun YouTube content. Today at 11:00 AM, we’re ranking all of the top Marvel movies. Then at 9:00 PM, join …
