Disneyland Paris Explains Crowd Size Restrictions, Expected Disney Village Reopening in Recent Cast Member FAQ
Matthew Soberman
As the discussion of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic begins to shift to when and how places can reopen, Disneyland Paris has revealed some previously unknown details of this process in a cast member FAQ. The FAQ did reveal three major things about the future reopening of the resort. While there is no word on the …
DREAMFINDERS: Adam Kreutinger on Figment and the Art of Puppet Making
Staff Writer
Adam Kreutinger makes magic one stitch at a time. Through his passion of puppet making, he has both created a slew of lovable characters and shared his creative process on his Youtube channel, even in real time, for all who have interest. But when Adam was tasked with creating a certain dragon of royal purple …
VIDEO: Take a Tour Inside a $7.8 Million House at Walt Disney World in the Four Seasons Private Residences at Golden Oak
Matthew Soberman
Do you have a deep love for the magic of Walt Disney World… and a spare $7.8 million? If so, you could make the Most Magical Place on Earth your home with a house in the Four Seasons Private Residences at Golden Oak! Recently, Orlando-based real estate agent Ken Pozek took guests on a video …
BREAKING: Shanghai Disneyland Reportedly Now Set to be First Disney Park to Reopen in Mid-May From COVID-19 Closure
Jessica Figueroa
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, Shanghai Disney Resort has been closed since late January. However, the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel, Disneytown, and Wishing Star Park resumed limited operations on March 9, with health protocols in place to keep guests safe and prevent the further spread of the virus. Now, various sources are pointing …
“Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series” Making Its Debut on PlayStation VR This Summer
Joe Hogarty
ILMxLAB ANNOUNCES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RELEASE OF VADER IMMORTAL ON PLAYSTATION®VR The Complete Series Will Be Available For Purchase This Summer In celebration of ‘May the Fourth,’ an honorary Star Wars holiday, ILMxLAB revealed that Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series is coming to PlayStation®VR this Summer. The three episodes will be available together as …
SHOP: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Starbucks “Been There” Series Mugs Now Available via Backorder on shopDisney
Matthew Soberman
While Monday’s “May the Fourth” release of Star Wars merchandise on shopDisney may have been a fiasco, we have an update with a new hope, because the merchandise strikes back with the return of the mugs. The three Starbucks “Been There” mugs have returned to shopDisney, and are now available on backorder. Each mug features …
Don Shula, Legendary NFL Coach and Inspiration for Shula’s Steak House, Passes Away at 90
Matthew Soberman
Don Shula, the coach with the most wins in the history of the National Football League and the inspiration for Shula’s Steak House at the Walt Disney World Dolphin, passed away on Monday at the age of 90. Shula began his NFL career as a player, playing as a defensive back for the Cleveland Browns, …
SHOP: New Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Tervis Tumblers Now Available Online
Shannen Ace
Need a new Tervis tumbler to add to your collection? In honor of May the Fourth and the 40th anniversary of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Tervis has released a new set of tumblers featuring scenes and characters from the iconic film. Check out each of the new tumblers below, including three …
Walt Disney Company Stocks Downgraded Due to Concerns Over Long-Term COVID-19 Impact on Parks, Movies, and More
Jessica Figueroa
With an empire revolving around travel, movies, and large crowds descending upon crowded theme park attraction openings, the Walt Disney Company has been among the most impacted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite initial Phase 1 reopenings taking place across Florida today, Walt Disney World remains shuttered with no reopening date in sight. As we …
SHOP: Drink the Star Wars Cantina Way with These Geeki Tiki Mugs Featuring the Death Star, Han Solo, Greedo, D-O and More; Now Available at Target
Matthew Soberman
May the 4th be with you, everyone! The legacy of Star Wars is worth raising a glass to, and what better way to do that than with these Geeki Tikis, now on sale at Target! From smugglers to droids and creatures to space stations, here are five of our favorite selections. Beeline Creative Star Wars …
SHOP: New Amazon Exclusive Star Wars – The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary “Battle at Echo Base” Deluxe Funko Available for Pre-Order
Staff Writer
What better way to celebrate May the 4th than the release of a brand-new Funko POP figure? This new line of Amazon Exclusive POPS! features characters found specifically on the planet Hoth in celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. The Pop! Deluxe: Battle at Echo Base …
SHOP: Show Off Your Disney Parks Style with WDWNT Face Masks Celebrating EPCOT, Star Tours, Monorails and More
Jessica Figueroa
With businesses across Florida reopening for Phase 1 today, masks are a requirement for many employees returning to work, and people everywhere are looking to accessorize while sporting their favorite characters and designs. shopDisney recently released a set of Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney-themed masks, but we’re here to bring you the niche Disney Parks …
New Star Wars Profile Icons Now Available on Disney+ for May the 4th
Jessica Figueroa
This May the 4th (and Revenge of the Fifth), you’ll be spending plenty of time watching Disney+, with the series finale episode of “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”, the premiere of “Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian”, and the full Skywalker Saga now available to view on the streaming service. To add to the Star Wars Day …
Disneyland Resort President Rebecca Campbell Poses With Essential Cast Members at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge During Parks Closure
Jessica Figueroa
Earlier today, we got a look at Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for May the 4th. Now, Disneyland Resort President Rebecca Campbell is stepping up with her troops, and even a Loth-wolf in celebration of Star Wars Day. Standing in an empty Star Wars: Galaxy’s …
shopDisney Releases Statement Regarding “Technical Issues” Affecting Star Wars May the 4th Merchandise Release
Jessica Figueroa
If you’re among the thousands of guests that descended upon shopDisney this morning with a faint glimmer of hope at being able to obtain any of the new May the 4th releases for Star Wars Day, you probably noticed the odds were not in your favor. Despite implementing a new virtual waiting room to ensure …
Taika Waititi To Direct and Co-Write New “Star Wars” Feature Film For Theatrical Release
Jessica Figueroa
Just announced in celebration of this year’s Star Wars Day, Academy Award® winner Taika Waititi, who recently won Best Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit and directed the widely-acclaimed first season finale episode of The Mandalorian on Disney+, will direct and co-write a new Star Wars feature film for theatrical release. Talk of the project had been making the rounds as early …
Walt Disney World President Josh D’Amaro Poses Inside of an Empty Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for May the 4th
Jessica Figueroa
The Force is strong with this one… Everyone’s favorite Walt Disney World official, Josh D’Amaro, released a stunning new photo on his Instagram account this morning in celebration of May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day. Despite the ongoing parks closure, D’Amaro is seen inside an empty Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, holding a blue …
Walt Disney World Reiterates “No Reopening Date” Established Yet During Latest Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force Meeting
Jessica Figueroa
The Orange County Economic Recovery Task Force met once again early today to discuss any additional developments on reopening plans given the start of Phase 1 reopenings across the state, with various restaurants and retail locations opening up under strict new guidelines and parameters. You can view the full meeting below, but we’ve linked to …
Grapefruit Garage at Disney Springs Reopens Despite Ongoing Closure During Phase 1
Jessica Figueroa
As previously stated in a My Disney Experience push notification, Disney Springs remains closed at this time, however today marks a big day for many businesses across Florida with the start of Phase 1 reopenings for restaurants and retail. While no restaurants or stores have reopened, the Grapefruit Garage at Disney Springs has reopened. It’s …
TODAY on WDWNT LIVE: May the 4th Be With You! Join Us For Star Wars Day at 11:00 AM, Plus Cosmic Reid Live with an Oga’s Cantina Twist Tonight 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. This is where the fun begins. Get ready to celebrate May the 4th––also known as Star Wars …
VIDEO: Disney Launches New At-Home Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Droid Depot App for May the 4th
Jessica Figueroa
You don’t have to travel to a galaxy far, far, away this year to celebrate Star Wars Day, as your very own Star Wars stories can now come to life at home with the all-new Droid Depot mobile app. The out-of-this-world app, available for free download on the App Store and Google Play, brings your …
VIDEO: Celebrate “Star Wars Day” on May the 4th With An Amazing Video Highlighting “Star Wars” Through The Years
Joe Hogarty
To celebrate “Star Wars Day”, Lucasfilm has just released a wonderful video montage highlighting some of the greatest moments from “Star Wars” history. May The 4th Be With You! Source: Star Wars
Japan Extends State of Emergency Through May 31st, Tokyo Disney Resort Closure Extension Likely Imminent
Spencer Lloyd
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has extended the national state of emergency in Japan for the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic through May 31st. The emergency was set to expire on Wednesday after its April 7th declaration in select prefectures including Tokyo and Chiba, home to Tokyo Disney Resort, and its national extension on April 16th. According to …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: “Castle of Magical Dreams” Transformation Continues at Hong Kong Disneyland; Main Tower Illuminated
Jessica Figueroa
While construction has come to a halt at all domestic Disney Parks, overseas in Hong Kong Disneyland, work continues on transforming their castle into the Castle of Magical Dreams. We were last able to check in on the progress of the castle transformation in late April. Now, thanks to our friends at Disney Magical Kingdom Blog, …
SHOP: New Limited Edition Maelstrom, Frozen Ever After, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and France Pavilion EPCOT Posters Now Available on shopDisney
Jessica Figueroa
If you’ve been collecting the series of EPCOT attraction poster serigraphs that launched at last year’s D23 Expo, get ready to journey on over to World Showcase, with stops at the Norway Pavilion and the France Pavilion and plenty of rides in between. First, we have a major throwback taking us back, back over the falls …
WDWNT Weekly Recap: Updates on Potential Walt Disney World Reopening, Disney’s Hollywood Studios 31st Anniversary, Galaxy’s Edge Coca-Cola Bottles in Alabama, and shopDisney Stocks Protective Face Masks
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 April 27 – May 3. If you’ve been following our news coverage throughout the Coronavirus …
Annual Passholders with Tickets Expiring During COVID-19 Closure Prohibited from Booking FastPasses for Future Visits Without Resort Reservations
Jessica Figueroa
If you’re an Annual Passholder and a local (including “3-hour drive” locals like myself) or planning on staying offsite for your next Walt Disney World trip, and your Annual Pass is expiring at some point during the COVID-19 closure period, you may be in for a rude awakening if you try to book FastPasses for …
“The Emperor’s New Groove” and Its Surprising Connection to a Tokyo DisneySea Attraction
Staff Writer
Editor’s Note: This piece was first published on June 9, 2019. The Emperor’s New Groove is one of those animated features that might best be termed a “Disney deep cut.” While not without its fans, it’s a lesser known title in the back catalog of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Released in 2000 after Tarzan had …
New Minnie Mouse Polka Dot Purse Collection by Loungefly Releasing This Monday
Jessica Figueroa
We may be stuck at home, but there’s still plenty of reason to accessorize, or at least stock up for once we can head back to the parks. Loungefly has announced a handful of new releases over the past few weeks, and we just got a sneak peek of their newest Minnie Polka Dot collection! The …
Going Down in Flames: The Story of “Atlantis” Fire Mountain at the Magic Kingdom
Jessica Figueroa
It’s been a big year for unbuilt attractions, and we aren’t just talking about the ones sitting idle during the unprecedented parks closure. During this year’s WDWNT March Madness, we covered a full array of never-before-built attractions, and one of the major standouts was none other than Fire Mountain. The Fire Mountain roller coaster concept …
VIDEO: Build Your Very Own Light-Up 3-D Printed MagicBand Reader from Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
So you’ve made every parks recipe, read every Imagineering book, and sewn a plethora of face masks by now, but it’s time to kick your quarantine crafting game to the next level with this tutorial by Foolish Mortal Builders. These talented builders have created their very own MagicBand readers just like the ones at Walt …
VIDEO: WDWNT Staff Recreates Scenes From The Great Movie Ride for the 31st Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Jessica Figueroa
Join us as we take a Spectacular Journey Into The Movies with WDWNT’s special Great Movie Ride episode of WDW News Tonight. Every week, we try to theme each News Tonight to any relevant holidays or happenings, but there’s no greater occasion than the 31st anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we decided to go …
RECIPE: Ring in the New Year with Our Kungaloosh Copycat Cocktail Mix from The Adventurers Club at Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island
Staff Writer
Bring out your inner explorer with our Kungaloosh Copycat Recipe from The Adventurers Club at Downtown Disney’s Pleasure Island. But, be sure not to skimp on the extracurricular… especially Suggested Dinning Apparel. After all, “some days you eat the bear, some days the bear eats you… but always dress for the hunt!” Styled after a …
TODAY on WDWNT LIVE: Disney Theatre Shows and Beyond on “Give My Regards to Broadway” at 11:00 AM, Plus We Talk Disney Park Reopening Timelines on “Pressing Issues” at 8:00 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, we have the premiere of “Give My Regards to Broadway”, our very first theatre-based LIVE! …
PHOTOS: “New Dreams, More Fun” New Fantasyland Grand Opening Merchandise Revealed for Tokyo Disneyland
Spencer Lloyd
While New Fantasyland at Tokyo Disneyland is currently delayed to an unknown date in 2020, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing new to see! Thanks to Disney Fan, the official Disney magazine in Japan, we got a special peek at the New Fantasyland Grand Opening line in the May issue! We first previewed some of this …
SHOP: RockLove x Disney Jewelry Pieces Feature Styles Inspired by Classic Disney Films, Star Wars, and More!
Staff Writer
RockLove Jewelry, who is represented by the same company as Kona Brewing Co., has one of a kind Disney branded necklaces, rings, and earrings. Star Wars, Onward, The Princess and The Frog, Mulan, Frozen 2, Christopher Robin, The Little Mermaid, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin, Alice in …
PHOTOS: New Disney Besties Mini-Merchandise Line Coming Soon to Tokyo Disney Resort
Spencer Lloyd
While Tokyo Disney Resort remains closed through at least mid-May, that doesn’t mean the new merchandise reveals stop! In the latest issues of Disney Fan magazine, the official Disney magazine here in Japan, we spotted a special new mini-merchandise line themed around the Disney friends, called “Disney Besties”. The idea seems to be just the …
WDWNT: Nerd Alert – Season Six – Episode 14 Is Now Available
Joe Hogarty
In this episode: Tonight, Jack and Taylor battle to be the winner of Joe’s Super Fantastic Star Wars Quiz! We answer the latest listener email. And much, much more! Join hosts Joe Hogarty, Jack McCarthy and Taylor Katcher! WDWNT: Nerd Alert – Season Six – Episode 14 is now available for download through WDW News …
PHOTOS: Van Eaton Galleries to Offer “Popular Culture and Disneyland” Online Auction Featuring Signed Marc Davis Art, Vintage Ticket Books, and More on May 9th
Matthew Soberman
Items from throughout the history of the Disney Parks, from the 1950’s to the 2010’s, are being featured in Van Eaton Galleries’ “Popular Culture and Disneyland” auction taking place on Saturday, May 9th. Whether you like parks signage, vintage publications, or Disney Legends, there’s plenty for fans to enjoy. (If you’re the lucky winner, that …
A Digital Tour Through Disney’s Animal Kingdom with Imagineer Joe Rohde – Part 6: Pandora – The World of Avatar
Staff Writer
Imagineer Joe Rohde has been taking Disney fans on an online digital tour of Animal Kingdom through his Instagram, providing deep backstory on its ethos and culture. He’s discussed the Tree of Life, Africa, Asia, Expedition Everest, and Dinoland USA, but now we’re going off world to Pandora – The World of Avatar! Joe begins …
