Imagineer Joe Rohde’s Instagram Essays on Inspiration Behind the Tree of Life and The Adventurers Club at Walt Disney World
Matthew Soberman
While nearly all of Walt Disney World is closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, legendary Walt Disney Imagineer Joe Rohde is offering a different kind of tour of some of his work. In a series of post on his Instagram account, Rohde explained the thesis behind the design of Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Tree of …
DISNEY+ REVIEW: “The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes” on Deep in the Plus
Rob Whiteside
Welcome to Deep in the Plus! Each week, we go deep into the Disney+ library and pull out of hidden classic that you might have overlooked. This week’s pick is from way back in the far out ’60s, where cellphones weren’t a thing and Kurt Russell was king! It’s Disney’s The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes! …
BREAKING: Walt Disney World Will Be Closed Through At Least April 9th With New Orange County Stay-At-Home Mandate Issued
Jessica Figueroa
The Orange County mayor has announced that he will be signing a stay-at-home mandate for all of Orange County effective starting Thursday, March 26 at 11:00 PM, for the duration of two weeks. Disney has yet to make any official announcements at this point, but the two-week period would put the closure past the originally-stated …
Disney Parks Withdrawal Disney+ Movie Playlist: Part 5 – Disneyland
Matthew Soberman
With Disney Parks around the world closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we’re taking a look at the offerings on Disney+ that reminds us of the parks we love. Today, we’re traveling through the park that started it all: Disneyland! Naturally, each of these parks is covered in the Disney+ Original Series “The Imagineering …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Adorable Baby Porcupine Born at the Conservation Station in Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Jessica Figueroa
Walt Disney World Resort may be temporarily closed, but Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s animal care team is continuing to provide top-notch care to thousands of animals, including the newest addition to the park, an adorable baby prehensile-tailed porcupine. The baby, known as a porcupette, was born to mom, Peri, on Feb. 25. If you’ve seen the One …
GIVEAWAY: Win a Deluxe Canvas Print of Disney Photography by Joseph Jurado
Jessica Figueroa
Are you ready for a chance to win some free Disney art? WDWNT and Disneyland News Today have teamed up with hobbyist Disney photographer Joseph Jurado (@josephjurado) on Instagram for a fun giveaway where you can win a deluxe canvas print of any of Joseph’s amazing photos, spanning from Disneyland to Walt Disney World, and everything …
RUMOR: Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival 2020 To Be Extended Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure
Jessica Figueroa
If you didn’t get to complete eating your way around the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival this year, or still have credits remaining on your Sip & Savor Pass, you may still be in luck. While the Festival is only scheduled to run from February 28 through April 21, with all of Disneyland Resort …
TODAY on WDWNT LIVE: Guest Appearance by Max “MrCheezyPop”, an Evening Edition of “Deep in the Plus”, Plus a “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” Watch-Along!
Jessica Figueroa
Welcome to week two 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’re chatting with Maxwell Glick, aka @mrcheezypop all the way from California at 1:00 …
BREAKING: Permits Filed for Stitch’s Great Escape Demolition, Work Slated to Begin On Rumored “Wreck-It Ralph” Attraction at Magic Kingdom
Jessica Figueroa
We told you back in 2018 that Walt Disney Imagineering was once again developing a Wreck-It Ralph-based attraction to replace the “seasonal” (I think we can now all agree that it’s gone and that we were right… I would hope) Stitch’s Great Escape in Tomorrowland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Well, now it seems …
SHOP: New Disney Princess Ceramic Dinnerware Set Now Available Online and via Target
Spencer Lloyd
If we’re going to be cooped up at home all day, we might as well surround ourselves with as much Disney as possible. And now thanks to ThinkGeek and Target, you can add a regal Disney Princess touch to your dinnerware collection! You can check out the full collection below and click the item links to …
20-Year-Old Man with Coronavirus (COVID-19) Instead Treated for Bronchitis After Visiting Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
As people continue settling into their home after Coronavirus-related travel and quarantine advisories were issued, more and more cases are being reported, with now a second case relating back to a trip to Walt Disney World. While at first it was believed that children and young adults could not be affected by the virus, that …
PHOTOS: Aerial Update on Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Hotel During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure at Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
Walt Disney World is currently experiencing an unfortunate, yet historic time as for the first time ever, all of its parks have now been closed for over a week. With construction now fully halted across property, many projects are now at a standstill, and that includes the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive resort experience, colloquially …
DREAMFINDERS: Circle-Vision Director Jeff Blyth Gets Creative in 360°
Staff Writer
From the mountains of China, to the plains of Kenya and even Moscow’s Red Square, filmmaker Jeff Blyth has focused his camera on all sorts of wonders of the world. Well…more like cameras… nine to be exact. Throughout his career, Blythe has directed six circle-vision films for Disney, including Portraits of Canada, Wonders of China, …
VIDEO: Disney Releases Update on the Care of Animals at Disney’s Animal Kingdom During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure
Staff Writer
I know we’ve all been wondering how all the beautiful wildlife living in Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been faring since its closure, and luckily today, Disney has released not only a statement, but a video to help ease our minds. Despite the closure of Walt Disney World, the Animal Care team, while following state and …
Construction at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Ceases During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure
Matthew Soberman
While the Disneyland Resort remains closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, construction at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure has come to a halt. From The Orange County Register: In line with direction from government and health officials, the temporary closure of Disneyland Resort includes construction sites, Disney officials said in a statement. Avengers Campus …
VIDEO: Cast Members Give Warm Farewell to Final Family Leaving Walt Disney World After COVID-19 Closure
Jessica Figueroa
Friday, March 20 marked the final day of operations for all Walt Disney World Resort hotels due to the unprecedented wave of Coronavirus (COVID-19) related closures. While most guests were able to cancel, reschedule, or otherwise rework their vacations in order to get home sooner, some decided to simply hold out and enjoy the last …
Disneyland Dapper Day Expo Postponed to June Due to COVID-19 Concerns; Walt Disney World Event Rescheduling To Be Determined
Spencer Lloyd
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues, it seems more and more likely that the domestic parks closure will last longer than the end of March. And the latest victim of this is Disneyland’s Dapper Day Expo, now postponed to June 20th-21st. Previously, the event was set for April 18th-19th at the Disneyland Hotel. The official Disneyland …
B Resort and Spa in Disney Springs Extending Special Rates Through June For Essential Lodgers During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Jessica Figueroa
While some Walt Disney World area hotels are closing soon due to concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, others are extending special rates for “essential lodgers” in need of a place to stay. B Hotels & Resorts (including their Disney Springs location) has extended a discounted rate of only $79 per night to the following …
Fifth TSA Agent at Orlando International Airport Tests Positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Jessica Figueroa
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads throughout the United States, a total of five Transportation Security Administration agents at Orlando International Airport (MCO) have now tested positive. As we’ve learned from Click Orlando, TSA officials revealed that the additional positive case was confirmed today, bringing the number of agents at the airport that have tested …
Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Not Allowed to Cancel Payments Despite Losing Work Due To Coronavirus Pandemic
Jessica Figueroa
During these hard times, there are far more important things to worry about than when you’ll be able to go to the parks again. As layoffs sweep the nation in a time of economic turmoil, the parks are seeing entire workforces sent home to seek unemployment, and Disney fans at home are trying to lower …
VIDEO: Animal Crossing Disney QR Code Designs Can Dress Your Player Up Like Your Favorite Characters; Plus Where to Find Tom Nook at EPCOT
Staff Writer
Unless you’ve been away from social media or on your own non-virtual deserted island, you probably know that the newest installment in the Animal Crossing franchise, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released last Friday and has taken the socially-isolated world by storm. For those unaware, Animal Crossing is a video game series from Nintendo in which …
SHOP: New Earth Day and Easter Tees Featuring Star Wars, Toy Story, Wall-E and More Sprout on shopDisney
Jessica Figueroa
Spring has sprung on shopDisney with a whole new collection of Earth Day and Easter tees, all themed to Star Wars, Toy Story, Wall-E, and more! Whether you’re looking for some new clothes to lounge in or wear while trekking the parks (or the forest), you can choose from a variety of designs for the …
PHOTOS: Aerial Images of an Empty Disney’s Hollywood Studios Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closures at Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
Walt Disney World is currently experiencing an unfortunate, yet historic time as for the first time ever, all of its parks have now been closed for over a week. Yes, that includes all four parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. All resorts and transportation have also closed and/or come to a standstill due …
Lumiere’s Kitchen Reopens at Shanghai Disneyland Hotel After COVID-19 Closures
Jessica Figueroa
While all U.S. Disney Parks are on lockdown, thankfully it seems there’s some sense of normalcy returning to the parks overseas in Asia. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in China, Shanghai Disney Resort has been closed since late January. Earlier this month, Shanghai Disney Resort announced that some operations would tentatively resume on March 9th. …
Disney Parks Withdrawal Disney+ Movie Playlist: Part 4 – Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Matthew Soberman
The Disney Parks may be closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, but that doesn’t mean the adventure has to stop. We’re bringing our cinematic safari of Disney+ offerings to our final stop at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Animal Kingdom! Naturally, each of these parks is covered in the Disney+ Original Series “The Imagineering Story.” …
PICKY EATERS: Navigating the Menu at Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper Canteen in the Magic Kingdom
Shannen Ace
Are you traveling to Walt Disney World with children who are difficult to feed? Do you have food restrictions like allergies? Are you just a picky eater? Then we’ve got a new series for you! Introducing Picky Eaters, starring me, Shannen Michaelsen, and my sister, Colleen Siler. Colleen and I have been picky eaters our …
TODAY on WDWNT LIVE: A Morning Pet Parade for National Puppy Day, Plus An Evening Edition of Cosmic Reid!
Jessica Figueroa
Welcome to week two 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 “Pets of WDWNT” coming up at 11:00 AM (EST), where we’ll …
PHOTOS: New Digital Signage Installed on Tokyo’s Disney Resort Line Monorail Stations
Spencer Lloyd
Even in the midst of the COVID-19 closure at Tokyo Disney Resort, construction rages on. Last week, we took a (distant) look at the progress on Cinderella Castle, but now we’re looking at a bit more of a small-scale improvement––digital LCD displays at Disney Resort Line stations. Back in September, we reported on the replacement …
PHOTOS: Aerial Images of an Empty Disney’s Animal Kingdom Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closures at Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
Walt Disney World is currently experiencing an unfortunate, yet historic time as for the first time ever, all of its parks have now been closed for over a week. Yes, that includes all four parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. All resorts and transportation have also closed and/or come to a standstill due …
VIDEO: Yehaa Bob Jackson From Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside Plays Full Set at Home During Quarantine
Jessica Figueroa
If you’ve ever visited Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside on a rowdy Friday or Saturday night, you’ve probably heard the loud, wacky musical antics of “Yehaa” Bob Jackson, the resort’s longtime piano/musician/comedy act who performs numerous nights each week. Be warned that Bob has a cult following and seating becomes a hot commodity while …
WDWNT Weekly Recap: All Disney Parks Closed Worldwide for Coronavirus (COVID-19), Massive Layoffs, Potential Closure Extensions, and a Slew of Editorials
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 March 16-22! If you have been following our news coverage over the past two weeks, …
Fourth TSA Agent at Orlando International Airport Tests Positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Jessica Figueroa
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads throughout the United States, a total of four Transportation Security Administration agents at Orlando International Airport (MCO) have tested positive for the disease. As we’ve learned from Click Orlando, TSA officials revealed that the additional positive case was confirmed today, bringing the number of agents at the airport that …
Disneyland Paris Pianist Gijs Van Winkelhof to Host Live Piano Concert on Twitter at 6:00 PM Today
Jessica Figueroa
Fans of Disney Parks music and Disneyland Paris will be overjoyed to learn that Disneyland Hotel resident pianist Gijs Van Winkelhof will be hosting a LIVE Twitter concert in just a few minutes! You can tune in live via Gijs’ Twitter or via Periscope! 🎹✨ Starting at 6 pm EST – 23:00 Amsterdam/Paris time! Do …
EDITORIAL: How Disney Magic Can Beat The Quarantine Blues – Part 2
Staff Writer
Well, Walt Disney World has been closed for over an entire week now due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and we’re all in desperate need of a daily dose of enchantment! Throughout How Disney Magic Can Beat The Quarantine Blues – Part 1, we discussed everything from scrumptious copycat recipes, to crooning along to WDWNTunes, …
Landry’s Restaurants Expands Partnership with Waitr for Food Delivery in Wake of COVID-19 Closures; Offering Laid-Off Staff Jobs
Matthew Soberman
Unemployed staff from Landry’s Restaurants may soon find new jobs, while the public will soon be able to enjoy many fan-favorite dishes, like the famed Rainforest Cafe Pastalaya, at home. According to Yahoo! Finance, food delivery company Waitr has expanded its partnership with Landry’s to include carryout offerings “to all markets in which Landry’s operates,” …
VIDEO: Boat Tour of Magic Kingdom Resorts, Grand Floridian Bridge and River Country/Reflections Construction, and More!
Jessica Figueroa
If there’s anything I miss more than the parks throughout these unprecedented COVID-19 closures, it’s got to be the resorts––especially the quaint boat rides from the Magic Kingdom to each of the resorts surrounding the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. Luckily, one of our readers was able to take a boat ride through the …
Cast Members Informed of Delayed Scheduling for Potential Reopening at Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
If there’s anyone yearning for some sense of normalcy back in their lives right now, it’s Cast Members (if you couldn’t tell by some of the hilarious TikToks and social media posts.) However, with the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly by day, it seems Disney is hesitating to make any moves before announcing any official extensions …
Bored During the Parks Closure? Play WDWNT’s Walt Disney World Online Trivia Game!
Spencer Lloyd
By now, I’m sure some of you are on the way to (if not already at) restlessness, cabin fever, or boredom. Or all three! Well, don’t worry, between our daily WDWNT Live shows, Disney+ playlists, and other content, we’re doing our best here at WDWNT to keep you entertained! Gotta get that Disney fix, after …
Think You Know Disney Movies? Try Our New Online Game, “Name That Animated Disney Film in Seven Words”!
Spencer Lloyd
By now, I’m sure some of you are on the way to (if not already at) restlessness, cabin fever, or boredom. Or all three! Well, don’t worry, between our daily WDWNT Live shows, Disney+ playlists, and other content, we’re doing our best here at WDWNT to keep you entertained! Gotta get that Disney fix, after …
VIDEO: Watch EPCOT’s “Reflections of China” in 360° with Director’s Commentary from Jeff Blyth!
Staff Writer