PHOTOS: Demolition Begins on Former “Film Strip” Entrance Bridge to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Kevin Lake
From the early 1990’s to late 2018, guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios were greeted with a wonderful bit of theming before even arriving at the park. The iconic bridge, known as the “film strip” bridge due to the oversized animation frames on either side of the roadway as you approached it, was themed after the …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 3/15/20 – Final Day Before Unprecedented Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure
Staff Writer
It was a somber day at the Magic Kingdom, the mood in stark contrast to the beautiful, sunny weather. We saw a drastic reduction in crowds, and noticed that what little guests there were were mostly made up of College Program participants on their last day in the parks. Emotional moments and tearful photo ops …
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at Disneyland Hotel Now Temporarily Closed Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
Uh-oa! It seems Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar at the Disneyland Hotel has closed a bit early ahead of the resort-wide closures for COVID-19. While the resort’s pool bar was set to close at 5:00 PM with the rest of the Disneyland Hotel, managers at the location decided to close it early. The CDC is …
Physical Gift Cards Temporarily Unavailable for Purchase via shopDisney
Jessica Figueroa
With brick-and-mortar Disney Stores closing on March 17 due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Disney fans looking to shop for merchandise and gifts can still turn to shopDisney.com for all their online shopping needs. However, those looking to purchase gift cards are out of luck, as shopDisney has temporarily suspended the ability for customers to …
Preview Showings of “Drawn to Life” by Cirque Du Soleil at Disney Springs Postponed Indefinitely Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
Disney has announced that the upcoming preview debut of Cirque Du Soleil’s “Drawn to Life” at Disney Springs has been postponed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. As it stands, most Disney owned-and-operated stores and restaurants will close tonight at Disney Springs, with independent vendors left to decide whether to adjust hours or close completely. Cirque …
PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 3/15/20 (Final Day of Operation Before Closure, Cast Members & Characters Say Their Goodbyes, State of the Park, and More)
Kevin Lake
Today is undoubtedly one of the most unique and impactful days in Walt Disney World history. While not the first time the parks have closed recently, past instances were merely a closure for a day or two with a clear, short-term timeline for reopening. This time around, we are faced with a closure of at …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 3/15/20 (A Final Look at the Park, Crowds, and Preparations Before COVID-19 Closure)
Annie Wilson
Today marks a day in Disney history as all the Walt Disney World parks closed their doors to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an emotional day around the park for Cast Members, especially Disney College Program Cast Members, as well as guests. We headed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios bright and early, …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Watch One of Matsuriza’s Final Taiko Drum Performances at the Japan Pavilion in EPCOT
Staff Writer
Matsuriza, the Japanese Taiko drum performers at the Japan Pavilion, concluded their run at EPCOT on Sunday. Our reporters were at one of their final performances, taking in a finale filled with energy and rhythm. In a post yesterday on one of the performer’s Facebook pages, thanks were given to Walt Disney World for an …
Disney Vacation Club Senior Vice President Releases Official Statement Regarding Points and Cancelled Reservations Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Jessica Figueroa
Last night, Walt Disney World announced that all of its resorts, including all Disney Vacation Club properties and Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, were to close by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 20. While change fees have been waived for guests with vacation packages, as well as refunds issued for all upcoming resort stays, Disney Vacation …
VIDEO: Walt Disney World Releases Special “See Ya Real Soon” Farewell Video In Light of Resort-Wide Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closures
Jessica Figueroa
UPDATE: Disney Parks has since pulled this video and the accompanying blog post. Disney has released a special “See Ya Real Soon” video starring a number of Cast Members from all four Walt Disney World parks. We noticed filming for this video take place throughout the parks just last night. Here is the statement released …
Walt Disney World Announces Temporary Closure of All Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Locations Among New Wave Of Coronavirus-Induced Closures
Staff Writer
All Walt Disney World parks are closed now, having endured their last day of operation yesterday before a 2- week, Coronavirus-induced closure. As of today, there are a few things around Walt Disney World Resort that you can still do, but not many. Disney Springs is set to close March 17th and Walt Disney World …
PHOTO REPORT: Disneyland Park 3/13/20 – Last Day of Operation Before Temporary Closure Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
Staff Writer
As a result of the growing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Disneyland Resort, including Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, closed to guests the morning of March 14. We spent the entire day at Disneyland to enjoy the parks’ last day of operation until April 1, or further. There was a calm, but eerie atmosphere in Disneyland, …
Walt Disney World Resort Transportation to Be Temporarily Suspended Starting March 18 Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
The Walt Disney World Resort has updated the list of transportation options will be available to Guests staying on property now that all theme parks and water parks have closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. However, due to the newly-announced Disney Springs closure on March 17 and the subsequent resort closure on March 20, it has …
BREAKING: All Walt Disney World Resort Hotels Temporarily Closing on March 20; Disney Springs, Downtown Disney District, and All Disney Stores to Close March 17 Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Jessica Figueroa
Now that all of the parks are closed, Disney Parks has further announced that all Walt Disney World Resort hotels will be temporarily closing at 5:00 PM on Friday, March 20, due to concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Additional closures include all Disney owned-and-operated locations at Downtown Disney and Disney Springs (including the NBA …
VIDEO: A Special Farewell to EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom for the Temporary Coronavirus (COVID-19) Closure
Jessica Figueroa
Today marked a day in Disney history, as all Disney Parks around the globe have now officially closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is currently sweeping the nation. While the Magic Kingdom was bustling with emotional guests, things at the other three Walt Disney World parks were far more serene, with almost eerie …
Updated List of Transportation Options Available and Not Available to Guests During the Closure of Walt Disney World Due to Coronavirus
Tom Corless
The Walt Disney World Resort has updated the list of transportation options will be available to Guests staying on property now that all theme parks and water parks have closed due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Here is what the transportation situation will look like starting Monday, March 16: Bus Transportation: All Resorts will have bus transportation …
VIDEO: An Emotional Character-Filled Farewell as the Magic Kingdom Closes Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Jessica Figueroa
Today marked a day in Disney history, as all Disney Parks around the globe have now officially closed due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that is currently sweeping the nation. Tonight, fans came out in droves (we’re guessing nobody got the note on “social distancing”) to the Magic Kingdom, closing out the park with a …
CDC Issues New Guidance That Could Change Disney Parks Closure Length, Recommending Against Public Gatherings of 50 People or More For 8 Weeks Due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Jessica Figueroa
A new guidance advisory has been issued by the CDC recommending against public gatherings of more than 50 people––for the next eight (8) weeks––due to the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Given that the parks are only slated to stay closed for just over two weeks, or through the end of the month of March, this …
“Onward” Remains At The Top Of The Box Office, But Cinemas Are Taking A Hit Due To Coronavirus Concerns
Joe Hogarty
The box office is seeing a substantial decline in ticket sales due to the global concerns of COVID-19. Less people leaving their homes, combined with theater chains limiting their individual theater capacity, resulted in ticket sales reaching their lowest levels in 20 years. This weekend in North America alone, ticket sales accounted for just $55 …
Disney College Program Releases Official Statement on Current Program Termination Due to “Social Distancing” and Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
UPDATE: The Disney Internships & Programs department has released the following official statement to all of its Disney College Program participants regarding potential housing assistance and re-application to the DCP after the sudden termination of the current program. The statement was also released by the @DisneyInterns page on Twitter, stating: We know these are extremely …
PHOTOS: New “Spark Your Imagination” Figment Construction Wall Art Arrives at EPCOT
Jessica Figueroa
Right about now, we all need a little spark of inspiration, but thankfully, Figment is here to save the day, gracing a whole new stretch of construction walls at EPCOT. We previously saw a small portion of art go up featuring the royal purple dragon, but it seems Figment’s got a whole set of walls …
WDWNT Weekly Recap: All Disney Resorts Closed Due to Coronavirus Pandemic (and Everything You Need to Know), EPCOT Entertainment Cuts, MARVEL Avengers Campus Details, and More
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 9-15! Coronavirus (COVID-19) Effects on Worldwide Parks and Resorts If you have been following …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 3/14/20 (Progress On Cinderella Castle Makeover, Attraction Downtime, New Merchandise, and More)
Staff Writer
Good morning from a bright and sunny Magic Kingdom! We are relishing our last few days here before Walt Disney World closes temporarily until April, but let’s not think about that, on to the fun new stuff! The first sight to greet us was Cinderella Castle mid-makeover. It’s disappointing to have cranes in all our …
Character Meals at Walt Disney World Resorts to Continue (With Some Restrictions) Due to Coronavirus Concerns
Jessica Figueroa
While tomorrow marks the official closure of all Walt Disney World parks, the resort’s numerous hotels and restaurants are expected to remain open throughout the two-week period. Character meets went on as normal in the parks today, but due to rising concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, character meals at resort restaurants will have new …
Disney College Program Blockout Lifted For Disney’s Hollywood Studios Today
Staff Writer
After the shocking news yesterday that all Disney College Program participants’ programs will be concluded immediately, Disney appears to have thrown the departing students a surprise. This time, however, it appears to be a good surprise. Disney College Program participants are now able, albeit on the last day of their terminated program, to enter Disney’s …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 3/14/20 (Slightly Lighter Crowds, New Hand Washing Guidelines, Mickey Flowers, and More)
Staff Writer
It was an odd day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today. Crowds were lighter than a standard Saturday, but still higher than you’d expect during this COVID-19 global pandemic. With the parks set to close today, the energy was distinctly different than what we’re used to, with lots of guests taking extra precautions to be safe. …
PHOTOS: New “Winnie The Pooh” Hunny Pot Bag by Loungefly Arrives at Walt Disney World
Staff Writer
As you are preparing for a day at Disney, there are various ways that you need to warm up to prepare. Of course, there are your stoutness exercises, but now that we are talking about stoutness exercises, it is probably a good time to stop for lunch. If we are stopping for lunch, it is …
Performances by Sergio the Master Juggler in the Italy Pavilion Ending March 15 at EPCOT
Jessica Figueroa
Another fan-favorite World Showcase performer has announced his sudden termination from Walt Disney World. Part of a recent slew of Entertainment budget cuts, Sergio the Master Juggler from the Italy Pavilion is making his final performance today, March 15. The Italian juggler and entertainer took to social media to announce his leave: Sergio …
PHOTOS: New Annual Passholder Exclusive Flower & Garden Festival 2020 MagicBand Finally Flutters Into EPCOT
Staff Writer
After an unforeseen delay, the Spike the Bee Passholder MagicBand has finally buzzed its way into Walt Disney World. We would have expected this to be available at the start of the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival with the debut of the rest of the merchandise, but for whatever reason, be it manufacturing delays …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Coronavirus Closure Update and Tour (March 2020)
Spencer Lloyd
This update comes courtesy of our friends at the Disney Magical Kingdom Blog. Hong Kong Disneyland Resort has been closed since January 26th, 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the city. The second of the resorts to close, very little news has come since then. While Shanghai Disney Resort is taking steps towards …
PHOTOS: Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover Remains Closed After Seven Consecutive Days at the Magic Kingdom
Jessica Figueroa
It’s been a rough couple of weeks for the Magic Kingdom, what with Jungle Cruise boats sinking and even ghosts failing to materialize at The Haunted Mansion for days on end. In another seeming addition to the problems plaguing the Most Magical Place on Earth, the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover remains temporarily closed. With the …
PHOTOS: Cinderella Castle Makeover Project Continues With More Gold Trim Accents at the Magic Kingdom
Jessica Figueroa
With the Magic Kingdom closing down after tonight along with the rest of the Walt Disney World parks, today we bring you our last castle painting update, at least for the next two weeks until the resort reopens to guests after the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has (hopefully) subsided. With work on the castle expected to …
British Revolution Band Ending March 15th at EPCOT’s United Kingdom Pavilion
Spencer Lloyd
While it was previously revealed that Matsuriza will be coming to an end on March 15th, we’ve also learned via Facebook that the popular British Revolution cover group at the United Kingdom in EPCOT will also be closing tomorrow, March 15th. The popular EPCOT entertainment group also announced this via Facebook. You can read their …
Matsuriza Taiko Drummers at EPCOT Ending March 15th
Spencer Lloyd
As Walt Disney World prepares to close due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, we received more sad news today. According to a Facebook post by a group member, the popular Matsuriza taiko drum group will come to a close on March 15th after 25 years at the Japan pavilion. You can read the full …
Walt Disney World Resort Donating Excess Food to Second Harvest Food Bank During Temporary Closure
Spencer Lloyd
Disney has long-supported charitable organizations in their parks’ communities, donating to causes like Second Harvest among others. And this is set to continue during the temporary closure of Walt Disney World in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. And none too soon, with thousands of workers across the Orlando area displaced, and many living paycheck-to-paycheck. According …
Hotels & Disney Village at Disneyland Paris to Close March 15th
Spencer Lloyd
It seems the plans for COVID-19 closures at Disneyland Paris have been adjusted. While Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios closed March 14th, it was previously announced that the Disney Village shopping area and the Disney Hotels would remain in operation. Unfortunately, it seems the plans have changed. According to DLPReport on Twitter, further restrictions …
BREAKING: Disneyland College Program Comes to an End as Disneyland Closes Due to Coronavirus
Staff Writer
Earlier today we reported on the termination of the Walt Disney World College program with participating cast-members being sent home with the closure of the parks. It seems that Disneyland has now followed suit and the College program will also be ending for the California cast-members. Though no information has been released on what will …
Disney Cruise Line Extends Departure Suspension Through April 12th; Provides Updates on Canadian and European Departures
Matthew Soberman
As the world continues to face the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Disney Cruise Line has announced that they have extended their suspension of departures until Sunday, April 12th, as well as provided updates on their future Canadian and European departures. From Disney Cruise Line: In an abundance of caution and in the best interest of our …
PHOTOS: More Rooftop Solar Panel Mounts Installed at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT
Staff Writer
The progress on the roof of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind has been steadily progressing for several weeks now. Recently, we saw mounts for the solar panels being installed. Let’s take a look at how they’re progressing! Since our last check-in, we can see a significant amount of mounts for the solar panels have …
Tables in Wonderland Memberships Will Be Extended Through Walt Disney World Closure Due to Coronavirus
Tom Corless
With Walt Disney World’s theme parks closing on Monday, Disney has already extended annual passes through the closure period, but Tables in Wonderland memberships will be extended through this period as well. According to the Walt Disney World website, Tables in Wonderland members will have their benefits extended by the number of days the parks …
