EDITORIAL: I Watch All 22 Pixar Films Once A Year And Here’s What I Think Of Each One – Part 1
Shannen Ace
We all have our New Year traditions. Watching Disney fireworks, kissing loved ones, drinking champagne, watching every single Pixar movie over the course of three days… At least, that’s what my friend Nicole and I did the first year she suggested the tradition. This was 2016, going on ’17, and there were only 17 Pixar …
New Details Revealed for Magic Access Annual Pass Extensions Due to COVID-19 Closure at Hong Kong Disneyland
Spencer Lloyd
While the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, like all Disney resorts, remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve been largely silent. However, their silence broke yesterday when they released updated information regarding the extension of the Magic Access annual passports. The statement is on the official Hong Kong Disneyland website. It reads as follows: Guests …
VIDEO: Wash Your Hands With Meeko (and Minnie Soap) at Tokyo Disneyland
Jessica Figueroa
Here at WDWNT, we want to bring you as much kawaii news as possible in these hard times, and what better place to source pure serotonin from than Tokyo Disney Resort? Earlier this year, Tom and Spencer covered all of the new offerings at the park before it unfortunately closed late in February over concerns for the …
Disney Vacation Club Reassessing Point Management Exceptions in Wake of COVID-19 Cancellations
Spencer Lloyd
As the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved, plenty of people have cancelled or postponed their planned vacations, including Disney Vacation Club members. Previously, the DVC was being fairly relaxed with how points management worked, but it seems this will no longer be the case. In a statement online, the DVC outlined their temporary new cancellation policy: …
Select Disney Springs Hotels Extending Closure Through April 30 Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
Despite Walt Disney World’s still-advertised reopening date of April 1, recent developments seem to point to the inevitable extension of that date, as more and more people are encouraged (or otherwise mandated) to stay home to mitigate the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While Disney normally leads the pack in terms of setting established …
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa Closing on March 24 Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
Due to concerns over the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Aulani Resort will close beginning at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, March 24 and will remain closed through Tuesday, March 31. Aulani has released the following instructions regarding cancellations and rescheduling: For reservations booked through DisneyAulani.com or The Walt Disney Travel Company, call (866) 443-4763 to reschedule …
WATCH: Ride Rehab Watches – “Ernest Goes To Splash Mountain” LIVE Tonight at 8pm EST
Staff Writer
Tonight at 8pm EST, Tyler and Thomas of the Ride Rehab Podcast here on WDWNT, sit down with Ben of ParksCenter to watch and riff along with some ridiculous Disney Parks videos! First up will be a LIVE watch of Ernest Goes To Splash Mountain, a Television special that first aired on The Disney Channel …
PHOTOS: Construction Goes Vertical on New “The Cove” Hotel at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin
Matthew Soberman
A milestone has been reached as the construction of “The Cove,” the newest addition to the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin complex, has gone vertical. The hotel will be across the street from the Swan and Dolphin on Epcot Resorts Boulevard, adjacent to the Fantasia Gardens miniature golf course. The hotel has been designed …
Disney Parks Withdrawal Disney+ Movie Playlist: Part 3 – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Matthew Soberman
While the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have “halted production” at the Disney Parks, we’re celebrating the films and television shows on Disney+ that remind us of the parks we love. Today’s playlist is inspired by the lights, camera, and action of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Ready when you are, C.B.! Naturally, each of these parks is …
Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC Now Open at Disney Springs For A Limited Time; Pre-Orders Available For Pick-Up
Jessica Figueroa
If you’re looking to support local businesses while stocking up with tasty baked goods for your prolonged quarantine, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC is open just for the weekend at Disney Springs, with limited hours and a menu full of gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, and kosher treats available to-go. Now, given that most, if not all of …
SHOP: New “Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction” Mad Tea Party Collection for March Now Available on shopDisney
Jessica Figueroa
Mad Tea Party was an opening day attraction at both Disneyland (1955) and Walt Disney World (1971), and now, you can celebrate this dazzling, dizzying classic attraction with the newest Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction collection for March, which includes a Minnie plush, pins, a mug, an ear headband, and more! You can check out …
EDITORIAL: Michael Eisner Was the Greatest CEO in the History of The Walt Disney Company
Kevin Lake
In 1923, the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio was founded by Walter Elias and Roy Oliver Disney. In the decades that followed, the animation studio would evolve into something far different and far larger than either of them could have ever expected. However, as the old adage goes, time waits for no man, and the reigns …
New Attraction Poster Art Revealed for “The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast” at Tokyo Disneyland
Jessica Figueroa
If there’s anything that has us absolutely giddy about the New Fantasyland expansion at Tokyo Disneyland, it’s the whole Beauty and the Beast area, including the amazing new modern trackless ride, “The Enchanted Tale of Beauty and the Beast”. And now, new attraction poster art has been released! Soaring to a height of around 100ft …
SHOP: New Collectible LEGO Star Wars Helmets Celebrating 40 Years of “The Empire Strikes Back” Now Available for Pre-Order on shopDisney
Spencer Lloyd
Can you believe The Empire Strikes Back turns 40 this year? I can’t believe it myself, honestly. It’s such a timeless classic. And to celebrate, Disney is releasing three collectible LEGO sets to recreate famous helmets from the film! These are available for pre-order right now on shopDisney, with release on April 27th! Let’s take a …
Three TSA Agents at Orlando International Airport Test Positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Matthew Soberman
As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreads throughout the United States, a total of three Transportation Security Administration agents at Orlando International Airport (MCO) have tested positive for the disease. As we’ve learned from WESH, TSA officials revealed that the positive cases were confirmed today, bringing the number of agents at the airport that have tested …
Walt Disney Company Announces $6 Billion Debt Offering as Revenue Diminishes
Jessica Figueroa
Today, The Walt Disney Company announced a $6 billion debt offering. Five different notes were part of the offering, with maturity dates ranging from 2025 to 2050. In the filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Disney stated the purpose of the offering is “to use the net proceeds from the sale of the notes …
All Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Now Officially Closed Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
As of 5:00 PM, all Walt Disney World Resort hotels have officially closed. With the exception of the Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin (of which only the Swan wing is open), all other Walt Disney World Resort hotels are now officially closed. The hotels were particularly quiet at the start of the week, with some …
EDITORIAL: How Disney Magic Can Beat The Quarantine Blues – Part 1
Staff Writer
It’s official. Nothing makes you want to visit to the Most Magical Place On Earth like being told… you can’t. Dare I say, there is something downright unsettling about knowing that our beloved Splash Mountain has stopped splashin’, all 999 happy haunts have ceased materializing, and as for those fabulous Phoenicians, well, I’m going to buy …
PHOTOS: Walt Disney World Bus Fleet Stationed at Magic Kingdom Parking Lot During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure
Matthew Soberman
With the theme parks of the Walt Disney World Resort closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the Disney-owned resort hotels set to close today, many of the resort buses have been parked in the Magic Kingdom parking lot. These chilling images show off a mighty transportation system brought to a standstill. If you …
Final Payment Deadline Extended for Select Disney Cruise Line Sailings
Staff Writer
Ahoy! Anyone have reservations for a Disney Cruise this summer? Well, if you haven’t yet received an e-mail and have a cruise booked on or before August 31st, Disney has added an automatic extension on your final payment date for your 2020 reservation. The payment due date will be extended an extra 30 days, so …
Rosario Dawson Cast as Ahsoka Tano on “The Mandalorian” Season 2 for Disney+
Jessica Figueroa
Fans of Ahsoka Tano from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels will be happy to know that soon, they’ll be able to witness the character in live-action form on the second season of “The Mandalorian” on Disney+. Ahsoka Tano, who started out as Anakin Skywalker’s padawan, will be played by Rosario Dawson. This would …
Sun & Fun 25% Off Room Discount Extended Through August 31 at Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
Due to COVID-19 closures and cancellations, Walt Disney World Resort has extended the popular Sun & Fun room offer booking window through August 31. Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights April 1 through August 31, 2020 when you book by August 31, 2020. Book ThroughAugust 31, …
“Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction” Mad Tea Party Collection To Be Released on shopDisney Despite Disney Parks and Disney Store Closures for COVID-19
Jessica Figueroa
If you’ve been counting down the days until the “Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction” Mad Tea Party release this month, but are worried about the closure of the Disney Store, don’t worry––you’ll still be able to browse and shop! shopDisney has announced that the full collection will be available online tomorrow starting at 7:00 AM …
PHOTOS: “Film Strip” Entrance Bridge to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Completely Demolished
Matthew Soberman
Lovers of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ history, this is going to be a tough one to read: the bridge that graced iconic “film strip” entrance to the park from World Drive is now completely demolished. The entrance greeted guests to the park from early 1990’s to its closure in November 2018, when a new entrance plaza …
runDisney Cancels Star Wars Rival Run Weekend 2020 Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns; Refund Details Disclosed
Jessica Figueroa
In an abundance of caution, runDisney has cancelled the upcoming Star Wars Rival Run Weekend due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns. The Star Wars Rival Run Weekend presented by OtterBox was scheduled to make an epic return to Walt Disney World Resort for its 5th year running April 16 – 19, 2020. From runDisney: With circumstances …
Aulani Remains Open During Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic; Closures and Restrictions In Place for Shops, Restaurants, Character Meet & Greets, and More
Jessica Figueroa
Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, has revealed that it remains open during the epidemic, with extra precautions taken to mitigate the spread of the disease. Closures have also now begin at Aulani, with a select number of offerings now unavailable to guests. Similar to measures we’re seeing elsewhere, they’ve closed …
Pixar’s “Onward” Coming to Disney+ on April 3rd; Available Tonight on Digital Download
Jessica Figueroa
Pixar fans, rejoice! It’s time to take a quest over to the sofa with the whole family (okay, maybe 10 of you max) and enjoy Pixar’s new film, “Onward”, coming to Disney+ on April 3rd! #PixarOnward is coming to the US tonight on digital download and will be streaming on #DisneyPlus on April 3rd. pic.twitter.com/W6TgB4kcAa …
SHOP: All-New Disney Dogs Sketch Collection by Dooney & Bourke Now Available on shopDisney
Jessica Figueroa
We know things are a bit ruff right now, but even in dire times, there’s always shopDisney to bring us some Disney magic and a little bit of shopping (or window-shopping) therapy. (Did we also mention it’s #NationalPuppyDay?) It’s been about two years since we got a new Disney Dogs Dooney & Bourke collection, but …
Cirque Du Soleil Lays Off 95% of Employees Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic; “Drawn to Life” Premiere at Disney Springs Delayed Indefinitely
Jessica Figueroa
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hitting entertainment venues (much like theme parks) the hardest due to massive, unprecedented closures, it seems the financial toll this took on Cirque du Soleil has led the company to make a drastic, company-wide layoff, terminating 95% of its employees. According to Forbes, the Montreal-based circus producer announced it would …
Governor of California Issues Statewide Stay-at-Home Order “Until Further Notice,” Impact on Disneyland Resort Unknown
Matthew Soberman
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on the rise, the Governor of California has issued a statewide order mandating that citizens must stay at home, with few exceptions, “until further notice.” Deadline‘s Denise Petski reported on Governor Gavin Newsom’s order, which will keep open “essential” businesses, including: Gas stations Pharmacies Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, …
WDWNT: Nerd Alert – Season Six – Episode 8 Is Now Available
Joe Hogarty
In this episode: Who was first? How some of our most popular heroes are sometimes just a little too familiar. We take a look at the newest Black Widow and Jungle Cruise trailers! Thor: Love And Thunder adds a Dark Knight to the cast! Here comes Fing, Fang Foom! A princess wants to be a …
Recreate Your Favorite Disney Ride Pre-Show for a Chance to Win $50 Corbucks!
Staff Writer
As we all know, things are a little unusual right now. With Disney fans spending more time at home, we have a lot of free time on our hands. Why don’t we make the most of it? Have you ever dreamed about being in your favorite Disney attraction’s pre-show? Now’s your chance! Here at WDWNT, we …
BOOK REVIEW: Return to the Sea in “Part of Your World: A Twisted Tale” by Liz Braswell
Staff Writer
Part of Your World is the fifth book in the Twisted Tales series. At the time of writing, the series consists of eight titles published over the past five years, with two more set for publication in 2020 and hopefully many more after that. Each of the novels is stand-alone, meaning you can read whichever …
SHOP: “The Making of Disney’s Jungle Cruise” Promises An In-Depth Look at the Film and Classic Attraction; Now Available for Pre-Order
Shannen Ace
While we’re waiting for Disney Parks to re-open, it’s nice to hear some good news about upcoming Disney films. Last week, we got a closer look at “Jungle Cruise”, inspired by the world-famous attraction, with a trailer and posters. Today, D23 released an interview with the author of “The Making of Disney’s Jungle Cruise.” This …
Tokyo Disney Resort Workers Seek Help From Union to Get Paid Through Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure
Jessica Figueroa
Toyko Disneyland has been closed since February 29 due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns in the region, and with their closure period recently extended from mid-March to early April, some of the Cast Members are struggling to stay afloat due to insufficient wages for certain part-time workers. According to The Japan Times, a labor union for …
TONIGHT on WDW News Tonight (3/19/20): Tournament of 64 Never-Built Disney Parks Continues, Dating Game Update, Surviving Without Parks, and More!
Tom Corless
Tonight! It’s WDW News Tonight, now with a live audience from our studio on I-Drive in Orlando (tickets available here)! Join us at 9PM ET for a review of the week’s news, the continuation of our March Madness 2020 Never-Built Attraction Tournament, and more! The show can be watched live at WDWNTunes.com on your computer …
Walt Disney World Releases Update on MagicBand Orders and Cancellations Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Jessica Figueroa
With Walt Disney World effectively closed due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is currently sweeping the country, guests with upcoming or cancelled reservations and vacation packages may be wondering what’s going on with their MagicBand orders. Disney has updated the COVID-19 landing page to include some information regarding MagicBands: According to Disney, if you …
34-Year-Old Man Dead of Coronavirus (COVID-19), He Recently Visited Walt Disney World
Jessica Figueroa
UPDATE: Disney has released a statement regarding the passing of Jeffrey Ghazarian, as first posted by @ScottGustin via Twitter: “We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Ghazarian. We continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and remain in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance.” Disney has issued a statement: “We …
Jaleo by Jose Andres Launches New Employee Support Fund In Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closures; Discount Gift Cards Now Available For Disney Springs Location
Jessica Figueroa
First, he brought world-class Spanish tapas to Disney Springs. Then, he played a key role in assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian in Abaco and the Grand Bahamas islands. Chef Jose Andres’ humanitarian efforts, with the establishment of the World Central Kitchen and beyond, makes us proud to support Jaleo and eat delicious croquetas …
SHOP: ColourPop “Mulan” Makeup Collection Now Available Online
Matthew Soberman
It may be a while before we see Mulan in theaters as Disney works to find a make-up date, but fans can still enjoy some Mulan makeup thanks to ColourPop with their new collection releasing Thursday, March 19th! StyleCaster‘s Elizabeth Denton shared the items, ranging from an eyeshadow palette to blushes to lipsticks and lip …
