New Magnet, Dining Discounts and Events for Annual Passholders in January 2019 at Walt Disney World
Tom Corless
January 2019 is full of annual passholder perks and events you’ll want to know about at Walt Disney World… The first Walt Disney World Passholder event of 2019 will be the Purple Potion Premiere Pop-Up Event in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park on Thursday, January 10 from 5-7 p.m. At this event, you can be …
Pandora: The World of Avatar Theme Park Album Released
Matthew Soberman
Disney parks fans can now take the sounds of Pandora wherever they go. “Pandora: The World of Avatar,” a soundtrack album featuring music from the land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, was released very early this morning for streaming on Apple Music and for digital purchase on iTunes ($9.99 for the whole album, $1.29 for each track …
Concept Art For Country Bear Jamboree Dark Ride Released
Staff Writer
Howdy folks! Welcome to what could have been the one and only, original, Country Bear Jamboree dark ride, the Critter Country 500! Concept art for this attraction has been released from Kirk Hanson, showcasing a very different attraction for these bears instead of the beloved musical show. This ride would have been located in Disneyland where …
Second Image From ‘Frozen 2’ Appears Online Along with Plot Description
Staff Writer
One week after the first leaked image from “Frozen 2” popped up online, we are getting another sneak peak at the new looks for Elsa and Anna. Instagram user @the.cursed.price on Thursday posted a photo of Elsa and Anna in their new outfits, with Olaf by their sides. The image is similar to an image …
PHOTOS: Baseline Tap House Souvenir Cup Now Available at Hollywood Studios
Annie Wilson
We’ve seen a lot of new souvenir cups, bowls, and popcorn buckets lately. Baseline Tap House at Hollywood Studios is jumping on the trend, too, with a new glass for 2019. If you’ve been looking for a new plastic souvenir cup to take home for your collection, look no further. Baseline Tap House now has …
Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle to Undergo Refurbishment to Repair Damage Left by Diamond Celebration
Matthew Soberman
While not as massive as what’s going on at Hong Kong Disneyland, the original Sleeping Beauty Castle is set to undergo a refurbishment of its own. A recent permit issued by the City of Anaheim shows that Disney is looking to re-roof the castle, replacing the material with fibre-reinforced plastic on the turrets. The permit, …
BREAKING: Slinky Dog Dash Coaster Train Tails Removed Due To Safety Concerns at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Tom Corless
Less than 6 months after opening, another problem has arisen in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This morning, the tails on the back cars of the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster trains were removed due to safety concerns. The bouncing, springy tails are gone from each back car, but the ride remains operational. …
CONCEPT ART: New Rendering, Logo Revealed for Disney’s Riviera Resort
Staff Writer
Walt Disney World on Thursday gave us a new look at what the Riviera Resort will look like when it opens this fall. A video posted to the Disney Vacation Club Facebook page shows a rendering of the hotel, followed by the phrase “Inspired by Europe, Imagined by Disney.” The short video ends with a shot of …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 1/3/19 (New Year’s Eve, Construction, and Crowds)
Staff Writer
New Year’s Eve is the consistently the busiest day of the year at Walt Disney World. Let’s see what Magic Kingdom looked like this year. I walked in at about 8:00 am. The park had been open since 7 for resort guests. Surprisingly, the crowds at the TTC didn’t seem worse than normal. It was …
Discover Disney Discount Tickets Return for Florida Residents in 2019
Matthew Soberman
Florida residents can enjoy Walt Disney World at a very special rate with the return of Discover Disney tickets. The tickets cost $175 plus tax for three days of admission, one theme park per day. For an addition $20 plus tax, a fourth day can be purchased. The tickets can be used on consecutive or …
Guest Car Parking Re-entry No Longer Free at Disneyland Paris
Staff Writer
As pointed out by ED92, a discreet change in Disneyland Paris’ car parking policy from last November states that free re-entry is no longer available. This means that if guests pay to park and then leave the lot for any reason, they will have to pay the full fee again to re-enter. According to the …
ParksCenter – A Look to 2019… and Beyond! – Ep. 37
Ben
This is ParksCenter. We usually cover the top 7 stories from this week in Disney Parks news, in under 30 minutes, guaranteed… but not this week. Instead, we’ll be talking about 2019 and beyond – what we’re looking forward to, what makes us nervous, and what our hopes and dreams are. We’re also making the …
TONIGHT: ParksCenter – A Look to 2019… and Beyond! – Ep. 37
Ben
Tonight, January 2nd at 9pm Eastern, will be the next edition of WDWNT’s ParksCenter! We usually cover the top 7 stories from this week in Disney Parks news, in under 30 minutes, guaranteed… but not this week. Instead, we’ll be talking about 2019 and beyond – what we’re looking forward to, what makes us nervous, …
WDW News Tonight Returns, 2 New WDWNT Shows Debut to Kick Off 2019!
Staff Writer
The start of a new year always brings new things and, for WDWNT.com, it’s no different! Two new shows join the site in 2019 while a fan favorite returns! Old acquaintance NOT forgot this new year with the return of the fan favorite WDW News Tonight by popular demand! Hosted by Tom Corless and …
TONIGHT: “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless features Cornac the Magnificent, Dreamfinders, and More Fun for W.I.G.S. Members
Tom Corless
Tonight, “See Ya’ Real Late” with Tom Corless airs as an exclusive program for members of the WDWNT Inner Globe Society on Patreon. For eight years, this “fake late night talk show” has been combining guest interviews and WDWNT’s unique comedy styling and characters in a LIVE, unpredictable, highly offensive, and interactive program. Tonight, we …
PHOTOS: Tomorrowland Speedway Now Closed To Accommodate TRON Roller Coaster Construction at the Magic Kingdom
Tom Corless
The Tomorrowland Speedway closed today to make room for the necessary construction of the TRON roller coaster at the Magic Kingdom. The roadways will be wide open for a few months. Barricades are being erected to keep cast and guests away from the construction site. The Tomorrowland Speedway will be closed now through May 18th, …
REVIEW: New Limited Edition Wreck-It Ralph Sundae Comes in a Championship Trophy at the Magic Kingdom
Tom Corless
It’s a new year and the Magic Kingdom is starting off right with a colossal new treat! Now available at Plaza Ice Cream Parlor on Main Street U.S.A., guests will find the Limited Edition Vanellope’s Ice Cream Sundae for $24.99. The sundae includes five scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, “fruity cereal”, chocolate candy, hot …
Disney World Offering Up to 30 Percent Off Rooms With Latest Offer
Staff Writer
Those who aren’t holding off on visiting Walt Disney World until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in the fall can save some money on their resort stay beginning in April. Disney World on Wednesday announced the “Sun & Fun Room Offer,” which features up to 30 percent off rooms at select resort hotels for most …
VIDEO: Lightning Strike Changing Portrait Scene Gets An Upgrade in The Haunted Mansion at the Magic Kingdom
Tom Corless
Going under the radar for some time, there has been work happening quietly in one of the earliest scenes of The Haunted Mansion attraction at the Magic Kingdom. Eagle-eyed guests may have noticed tarps hanging behind the existing changing portraits along the Doombuggy path, while the average tourist crept by not knowing that Imagineers were …
Try Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Ale Months Ahead of the Land’s Opening at Disney Parks
Jessica Figueroa
Concrete Beach Brewery is a beer brewery (naturally) located at the heart of the Wynwood Arts District in Miami, Florida. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because their craft beers are a staple of most Epcot festival drink menus. You may have also heard of their Kungaloosh Spiced Ale, available at Tiffins and Nomad Lounge …
Summer 2019 Free Dining Plan Offer Now Available for Walt Disney World
Tom Corless
“Free Dining” is back at Walt Disney World for 2019! Walt Disney World guests booking vacations between July 5th through September 30th, 2019 are eligible for the offer when purchasing a non-discounted 5-night/6-day vacation package that includes a room at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and tickets with a Park Hopper or Park …
WDWNT’s Top 7 Things Coming to Disney Parks in 2019
Tom Corless
Well, it’s finally here: 2019. It’s the year in which Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on both coasts. 2019 didn’t need any more than that to be important for the Disney Parks, but there’s a modest lineup of offerings on the way to the parks to accompany the game-changer that is the 14-acre planet of …
PHOTO REPORT: Disney California Adventure 1/1/19 (Holiday Crowds, Construction, Sparkly Ears, ETC.)
Ali
The holiday crowds have been rough at the Disneyland Resort Theme Parks but at least there are a bunch of new sparkly ear headbands to help up celebrate the new year (and our monorail doors stay on…) A sunny morning in SoCal, the new Starbucks in Downtown Disney was busy. Windows look completed at Ballast …
January Pin Releases for Disneyland & Walt Disney World, Including Festival of the Arts
Staff Writer
Mark your calendars, Disney pin collectors! The new releases for January 2019 have been unveiled! Between Pins of the Month, Mystery Pin Collections, Park and Annual Passholder Exclusives and Holidays, you’ll have a lot to look forward to. Below are the scheduled release dates for these pins at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Disneyland …
REVIEW: Up Close with Rhinos Experience at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Delivers on Its Name
Jill Diffendal
If you’ve ever wanted to know what a rhinoceros feels like, have I got the tour for you! Up Close with Rhinos is also a great choice if you love animals, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and/or the Kilimanjaro Safaris, and want to know more about what happens behind the scenes and how Disney contributes to animal …
D23 Significantly Raises Membership Rates for First Time in its History
Matthew Soberman
D23 kicked off its tenth anniversary celebration with a not-so-nice surprise for its members this morning, raising its annual membership rates for the first time since its inception in 2009. Effective today, the price of a Gold Membership is $99.99 per year, while Gold Family memberships are $129.99 per year, up from $74.99 and $99.99 …
PHOTOS: Disney Character Warehouse Outlet – December Merch!
Jessica Figueroa
We here at WDWNT braved the holiday crowds to bring you the last outlet review of 2018! Throughout the year, it’s always fascinating to see what makes it to the outlets, be it from mass-produced and under-sold items, to randomly returned park purchases. The layout of the store is always changing to accommodate new goods, …
H2O Glow Nights Will Return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park in 2019
Staff Writer
Ready to party with Woody, Buzz and all the rest of your favorites from Pixar’s “Toy Story”? Well you’re in luck, as H2O Glow Nights will return to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park! These evening beach parties happen Thursdays and Saturdays from May 30th through August 17th, transforming the water park into a new nighttime …
DREAMFINDERS: Bruce Broughton on Composing Music for Disney Attractions!
Staff Writer
Welcome to the inaugural episode of “Dreamfinders” – a podcast about the creative culture of Disney theme parks! Every other Tuesday, tune in as host Nathan Hartman sits down with Imagineers, authors, actors, dancers, photographers, YouTube creators and other artists to discuss how Disney has inspired them and why they’ve used their talents to create …
WDWNT’s Top 7 Worst Things That Happened at Disney Parks in 2018
Tom Corless
While we already listed the 7 best things that happened in 2018 at Disney Parks, it was undoubtedly a rough year. While we left 2017 excited about what’s to come, 2018 leaves us with a lot of questions about the future. Maintenance woes, lackluster reception to the year’s biggest projects, and a slew of budgetary …
PHOTOS: Epcot’s Odyssey Reopens Heavily Remodeled; Classic 1982 Elements Removed
Tom Corless
The Odyssey at Epcot has been closed since the Epcot International Festival of the Arts earlier this year, but it returned to service today for the New Year’s Eve crowds with a very new look. From the outside, not much looks changed at this building nestled between Future World and World Showcase. Inside, things have …
Guests Being Turned Away From Magic Kingdom Offered $50 Gift Cards as Park Reaches Capacity
Staff Writer
With crowds descending on Walt Disney World to ring in the new year, Magic Kingdom began turning guests away just before noon Monday. As of about 11:30 a.m., a message to guests said that no more people would be admitted to The Magic Kingdom, but Hollywood Studios, Epcot and Animal Kingdom were still allowing people to …
Disney Parks Offering Special Tickets and Room Rates for U.S. Military in 2019
Staff Writer
Disney is kicking off the New Year right by offering special deals on theme park tickets and resort stays for most dates in 2019 for both active-duty and retired U.S. military. Beginning January 1, 2019, multi-day Disney Military Promotional Tickets will be available for both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Take a look …
WDWNT’s Top 7 Things That Happened at Disney Parks in 2018
Tom Corless
As 2018 comes to a close, we look back at some of the greatest moments in Disney Parks this year. While it wasn’t the most positive year for the parks in many ways, there’s still quite a few new things to be thankful for. So, in no particular order, here are the seven (yeah,…. seven) …
REVIEW: New Breakfast Power Wrap, Egg White Soufflé, Ciabatta French Toast at Sunshine Seasons, Epcot
Tom Corless
Sunshine Seasons is a much-beloved quick-service restaurant in The Land pavilion at Epcot. It’s (or was) known for its fresh and innovative takes on fast food, including lots of vegan and vegetarian options, albeit heavy on Gardein brand mock meats. While it has had a series of hits and misses, we appreciate how often they …
Weekly Disney News Recap: New Ears, Cupcakes Galore, Frozen 2, and More!
Jessica Figueroa
Every week is a busy week when it comes to Disney news. To help you keep up with all of the updates coming out of Walt Disney World and other Disney resorts, here’s WDWNT’s weekly recap of this week’s Disney news! Walt Disney World Check out Tom’s Top 7 Christmas Stuff you can’t see anymore at Disney …
New Classic Attractions Minnie Ear Headband Spotted at Disneyland Resort
Jessica Figueroa
Further proof that West Coasters get all the good stuff. While Epcot gets these uninspired, sparsely-sequined ears, Disney California Adventure gets THESE: The ears feature a navy velvet-trimmed interior and copious sequins on the ears. On the side, there’s a 2019 embroidered in pink thread. The hot pink bow follows that cute, puffy style that’s …
Top 5 Favorite Marvel Movies (So Far…)
Staff Writer
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is truly a cinematic marvel. Never before has the film industry witnessed a universe shared by so many characters, storylines, and consistent record-breaking box office successes. It’s been a huge year for Marvel Studios due to the achievements of “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” But it’s also been a sad …
ROMANTIC DISNEY: Best Seat in the House
Staff Writer
Ride, show, or restaurant, you have more control over where you sit than you may realize Seeing a show in the park, boarding a ride, or even going to a table-service restaurant where you have a reservation is always risky if you’re particular about where you sit. Even if you have VIP seating for a …
Photo-Op with Cinderella’s Carriage Comes to Disney World for Two Days
Staff Writer
Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo: Cinderella’s carriage has appeared at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom for a photo op. A post from the Disney PhotoPass Instagram account says the carriage will be in Fantasyland, near Prince Charming Regal Carrousel, on Sunday and Monday only. Guests can stop by to get their picture taken by a PhotoPass photographer in front of …
