BREAKING: Los Angeles County Shuttering Outdoor Dining Effective Wednesday, Includes CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood
Jill Diffendal
Los Angeles County officials on Sunday announced that dining at restaurants, breweries, wineries and bars will cease starting Wednesday, November 25. The closures come amid surging numbers of coronavirus cases. This closure will affect dining establishments at CityWalk at Universal Studios Hollywood. It is unknown at this time whether the restaurants at CityWalk will offer …
PHOTOS: ‘Ohana Bread Pudding is Back at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort in a New Location
Jason Diffendal
The menu at ‘Ohana is a fan-favorite, from the wings to the noodles to the meat to the luscious bread pudding for dessert. Alas, ‘Ohana has not yet reopened at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and with the major refurbishment going on right now to the Great Ceremonial House, it may not be opening soon. Starting …
TONIGHT: Pressing Issues – Park Hopping Returns in 2021, Buena Vista Street Reopens, Grand Floridian to Magic Kingdom Walkway, and “Timekeeping” (11/22/20)
Iain
Join us at 8 PM ET for Pressing Issues as we present an in-depth discussion and analysis of the biggest stories of the week and their impact on Disney Parks, Guests, and Cast Members. In this week’s episode, our panel discusses the return of park hopping in January 2021 and the reopening of Buena Vista …
PHOTOS: NEW Plaid Flannel Shirts Featuring Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Goofy Arrive at Walt Disney World
Iain
Temperatures are dropping as winter approaches. Luckily, flannel is here to keep us warm and comfortable. We found these four new flannel shirts at Walt Disney World today, each featuring a different character and color. The flannels showcase Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Goofy. The characters sit above the left pocket on the front of the …
Full Schedule Released for WDWNT’s 65-Hours Broadcast to Benefit The Cast Member Pantry November 27-29, 2020
Iain
Every year since 2008, WDW News Today has hosted a charity drive at the end of November. In the past, we have raised over $60,000 for the Toys for Tots Foundation. Because 2020 has been such an unusual year, we have decided to make a few changes in order to benefit the Disney community who …
PHOTOS: TRON Lightcycle Run Illuminated Canopy Continues to Rise Over Upcoming Magic Kingdom Attraction
Iain
One of the most striking features of the upcoming TRON: Lightcycle / Run attraction is its illuminated canopy. The canopy covers the outdoor portion of the rollercoaster’s track. Workers continue to add pieces to the canopy structure, making it easier to see the final shape the structure will take. The opening in the attraction’s gravity …
REVIEW: Gingerbread Whoopie Pie from the Holiday Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida
Annie Wilson
It wouldn’t be the holidays without gingerbread, but the Holiday Tribute Store has put a twist on this traditional favorite. Inside the final room of the Tribute Store, you’ll find a display case full of Earl the Squirrel’s Sweet Treatz. We knew we had to make it through all of these seasonal snacks, but we …
SHOP: New Loungefly Crossbody, Dress, Skirt and Top Celebrate “Fantasia’s” 80th Anniversary, Include Sorcerer’s Apprentice Pin
Iain
Fantasia premiered November 13, 1940. Loungefly has released a new line celebrating the innovative animated film’s 80th anniversary. A crossbody bag, long-sleeved dress, skirt, and fashion top are part of the brand’s Stitch Shoppe collection. The line is currently available on Loungefly’s website. Each item comes with a coordinating Apprentice Mickey Spellbook enamel pin which …
PHOTOS: Three World Showcase Shopping Locations Reopen in Italy and France Pavilions at EPCOT
Iain
Guests looking to buy unique gifts celebrating World Showcase countries are in luck today! Just one day after we noticed reopening prep work, three EPCOT stores have reopened. At the Italy Pavilion, La Gemma Elegante and Il Bel Cristallo are once again open. Aux Vins de France also reopened today in the France Pavilion. Let’s …
PHOTOS: Work Continues Inside and Outside of Great Ceremonial House at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
Iain
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment. A new version of the signature crossbeam roof is being installed at the Great Ceremonial House. A majority of the resort’s rooms are closed. Only Disney Vacation Club studios and bungalows are available to guests at this time. We visited the resort to see what …
PHOTO REPORT: Universal Orlando Resort 11/21/20 (Signs for New Face Covering Policy, Fast and Furious: Supercharged Reopens, Earl the Squirrel Ornament, and More)
Annie Wilson
Greetings from the Universal Orlando Resort! It’s a busy Saturday, but we’re ready to take on the crowds. As we arrived at the resort, we were greeted by new signage informing guests that face coverings must be worn at all times unless actively eating or drinking while stationary and social distanced. Yesterday, we heard the …
PHOTOS: NEW Denim Loungefly “Aristocats” Marie Mini Backpack, Purse and Wallet Appear at Walt Disney World
Iain
A series of denim Loungefly items featuring Marie from The Aristocats arrived today at Walt Disney World. The series includes a mini backpack, a small crossbody purse, and a wallet. Each item features embroidered Marie artwork and a pink ribbon tied in a bow. We found these inside the France Pavilion at EPCOT. Denim Loungefly …
PHOTOS: NEW “Paris” Minnie Mouse Ear Headband Arrives at Walt Disney World
Iain
Bonjour from the France Pavilion at EPCOT. Today we found these amazing new Minnie Mouse ear headbands featuring a Paris theme. These are the third Paris-themed ear headbands. Earlier this summer we found macaron ears and Eiffel Tower styles. The ear headband features a pink satin bow with tulle, sequined black ears, a pink feather, …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Globus Mundi Reopens Inside Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida
Iain
Globus Mundi is once again serving travelers visiting Diagon Alley. The travel agency themed store reopened today at Universal Studios Florida. Prior to today, the only Globus Mundi merchandise available was a drawstring bag at Universal’s Holiday Garage Sale. Let’s pay a visit to Globus Mundi. Lighted garland hangs on the storefront for the holidays. …
PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 11/20/20 (New Park Icon Oven Mitts, Shop Reopening Preparations in Italy and France Pavilions, New Stage In World ShowPlace, and More!)
Iain
Greetings, World Travelers from another beautiful day here at EPCOT! We’re soaking in the last few days of the longest International Food & Wine Festival ever, and having all of our favorite dishes one last time before the Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays starts next week. We found some fun new things …
PHOTOS: Hotel Plaza Boulevard Entrance Signs Being Prepared for 50th Anniversary Transformation at Walt Disney World Resort
Iain
Work is underway at the Walt Disney World Resort entrance gateway on Hotel Plaza Boulevard. Prep work like surface repairs and primer application has begun. Let’s take a look at what is going on. The stark, white primer immediately caught our attention, even across four traffic lanes. A closer look at the “Welcome to Walt …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Take a Tour Around the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival (With a Performance by Members of the Grand Floridian Society Orchestra)
Matthew Soberman
The holiday spirit is in the air, even at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee, which has transformed into the Jolly Creek Holiday Festival! We took a tour of this special seasonal offering and all the magic it contains. As we arrived, we saw that one of the buildings was strung up in lights, while …
REVIEW: Earl the Squirrel’s Maple Pecan Sticky Bunz from the Holiday Tribute Store at Universal Studios Florida
Annie Wilson
The holiday snacks keep on coming, and after completing the Holiday Treat Trail, we set our sights on the Holiday Tribute Store. We decided to grab one of Earl’s Maple Pecan Sticky Bunz to start our day at Universal Studios Florida. Even through our face mask, we could smell the aroma of maple pecans. Fresh, …
PHOTO REPORT: Magic Kingdom 11/21/20 (Bonjour! Village Gifts Reopens, Haunted Mansion Oven Mitt, Pirates of the Caribbean Sign Refurbishment, and More)
Kevin Lake
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom on a busy, and gloomy, November day. We’re a mere five days from Thanksgiving Day, and both the crowds and weather are reflective of the season. Despite the overcast and rainy conditions, we had many great character interactions and really embraced the Christmas festivities — let’s head in and see …
Adventures by Disney Extends Suspension of Travel Departures Through February 28
Iain
Adventures by Disney has announced that all departures through February 28, 2021 have been cancelled. The news was shared through a travel alert posted November 19, 2020. The Disney-owned travel company had previously suspended departures through January 31, 2021. In the travel alert, Adventures by Disney states plans to resume departures after February 28. Currently, …
Walt Disney World Dining Locations Serving Thanksgiving Meals This Year
Shannen Ace
Whether you’re an Orlando local or just visiting, you might not feel up to cooking a whole Thanksgiving meal this year. Thankfully, Walt Disney World has you covered with several dining locations serving turkey dinners on Thanksgiving day. In years past, a holiday surcharge was added at buffets. With no buffets currently operating, no holiday …
PHOTO REPORT: Universal Studios Japan November 2020 (Holiday Decor Everywhere, Hot Butterbeer Returns, Low Wait Times, and MORE!)
Spencer Lloyd
It’s the happy Christmas season here at Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, so we figured we’d take another loop around the park and soak up the spirit of the holiday season! So without further ado, let’s see how they celebrate Christmas in Osaka! Outside the park, banners featuring beloved USJ friends like Snoopy, Elmo, and …
WDWNT Daily Recap (11/21/20): Bonjour! Village Gifts Reopens at the Magic Kingdom, Holiday Decorations Arrive at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort, New Galaxy’s Edge Merch, A Peppermint Bundt Cake Shake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and More
Matthew Soberman
We bring you a lot of stories every single day. Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So in case you missed anything from our feed, we have rounded up all our stories in one place to get the news at a glance. Here is your Daily Recap for Saturday, November 21, 2020. Walt Disney World Magic …
PHOTOS: Full Guide to Every New Christmas Holiday 2020 Treat at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Shannen Ace
The holidays have come to Walt Disney World, which means plenty of new and returning seasonal food items are now available. Here’s our list of every new holiday treat now available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Boozy Frozen Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate (with Mickey Jingle Bell Glow Cube) – $17.00 This hot chocolate is topped with …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Holiday Decorations Arrive at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Iain
Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts have been transformed into a magical winter wonderland. From trees and garland to wreaths and gingerbread houses, there’s something to see around every corner. Let’s take a look! Both resorts are illuminated with beautiful holiday lights on trees and garland. Keeping with the beach theme, of course, nautical decorations …
REVIEW: Stunning New Pumpkin Caramel Thanksgiving Cupcake Now Available at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
Shannen Ace
Most of Walt Disney World may be gearing up to celebrate Christmas, but the U.S.A. still has Thanksgiving later this month. Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge has a small way to celebrate this American holiday with a new thanksgiving cupcake. Thanksgiving Cupcake – $5.99 Pumpkin-spiced Vanilla Cupcake with Caramel Filling and White Chocolate Icing …
REVIEW: Fantastic New Vegan Reindeer Brownie will Sleigh You at the Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida
Annie Wilson
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen. But do you recall the most famous Vegan Reindeer Brownie of all? There are many delicious holiday treats inside the Holiday Tribute Store, but one adorable little reindeer face caught our attention. The Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store offered …
PHOTOS, VIDEO: Holiday Decorations Arrive at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort
Iain
The holidays have finally arrived at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort! Whether you want to stay cozy indoors or enjoy the fall air, there are plenty of decorations to be seen! From arrival to check-in, you are immediately invited with magical lights and decor. Keeping with the theme of the Boardwalk Resort, each tree and piece of …
PHOTOS: New Denim Hoodie, Disneyland, and Buzz Lightyear Spirit Jerseys Arrive at Disneyland Resort
Iain
It’s time to get into the spirit! The Spirit Jersey, that is! We discovered four new Spirit Jerseys today when we visited World of Disney at Downtown Disney District. Three designs feature the Disneyland Resort logo. The fourth is a tribute to everyone’s favorite Space Ranger: Buzz Lightyear. Denim Hoodie Disneyland Spirit Jersey – $79.99 …
PHOTOS: New Marvel Captain America Dress by The Dress Shop Premieres at Walt Disney World
Iain
Avengers fans can add a new dress from The Dress Shop to their collection. Black Widow no longer has to go it alone, as Captain America has joined the fashion fight. We found the new Captain America dress at Walt Disney World. Captain America Dress by The Dress Shop – $128 The dress has a …
PHOTOS: NEW “it’s a small world”, Stitch, Mickey & Minnie, Ariel, and More Hand Sanitizer Keychains Arrive at Disney Parks
Iain
A plethora of new hand sanitizer keychains are now available at Disney Parks! Stay safe while showing your love for your favorite Disney characters and attractions! Each of these new hand sanitizer keychains are available at World of Disney in the Downtown Disney District, plus at various location across Walt Disney World (like Mouse Gear) …
REVIEW: Delicious NEW Peppermint Bundt Cake Shake at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is One of the Prettiest Snacks at Walt Disney World This Season
Iain
Peppermint is part of Christmas. From candy canes to peppermint bark, the fresh, minty taste is everywhere during the holidays. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has taken peppermint and thrown in a few bundt cakes to create the Peppermint Bundt Cake Shake. Peppermint Bundt Cake Shake – $8.49 Peppermint ice cream topped with whipped cream, two holiday …
PHOTOS: NEW Wooden Boba Fett Doll and Droid Depot Droids Set Now Available at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Jessica Figueroa
While this year may not have brought about the debut of Life Day celebrations across Batuu, at least we have new merchandise to rejoice over, and some of it themed to Galaxy’s Edge itself! After the debut of the new Boba Fett plush at Toydarian Toymaker, the bounty hunter has now appeared in the form …
PHOTOS: NEW Cinderella Castle, Mickey, Minnie, and Stitch Pattern Sweatshirts Arrive at Walt Disney World
Iain
Four new sweatshirts arrived at Walt Disney World today. Each features iconic Disney images. The sweatshirts have screenprinted and embroidered appliqué images. The design continues onto the sleeves. Choices include Cinderella Castle, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Stitch. Let’s take a look. Cinderella Castle Sweatshirt – $54.99 The white sweatshirt has a variety of Cinderella …
PHOTOS: Full Guide to the Holiday Treat Trail 2020 at Universal Orlando Resort
Jessica Figueroa
Sure, there’s the Holiday Tree Hunt at Universal Orlando Resort, but if you happen to be on the hunt for treats, look no further than the Holiday Treat Trail, where you can go from location to location trying out new and unique treats, and get a sixth treat for free, just for completing the map! …
PHOTOS: NEW Disney Cats & Dogs, and “Tangled” Dooney & Bourke Bags Previewed at Walt Disney World; Available November 23
Iain
As we reported two days ago, new Dooney & Bourke bags are on their way to Disney Parks. Today, we spotted the new bags on display at Uptown Jewelers. The Magic Kingdom shopping location is not yet selling the bags, but the bags are on display inside a curio. A sign informs guests that the …
PHOTOS: Bonjour! Village Gifts Reopens with Christmas Merchandise at the Magic Kingdom
Iain
Guests looking for more shopping options at the Magic Kingdom are in luck. Bonjour! Village Gifts has reopened inside New Fantasyland. A few days ago, we noticed that reopening preparations were underway. The retail spot opened a few hours after the Magic Kingdom gates. An outdoor queue has been added. Presently, the queue is not …
PHOTOS: New Park-Themed Oven Mitts and Mickey Waffle Potholder Arrive at Walt Disney World
Shannen Ace
Walt Disney World has two new oven mitts and a potholder that are perfect for anyone putting together a Disney Parks-themed kitchen. Mad Tea Party Oven Mitt – $14.99 This first oven mitt has a stack of Mad Tea Party cups printed on the side. One tea cup’s handle sticks out of the mitt as …
REVIEW: Deck the Halls with Delicious New Cookie Dough Christmas Trees at the Holiday Tribute Store in Universal Studios Florida
Annie Wilson
If you typically leave out milk and cookies for Santa, you may want to switch it up this year and leave out some of these adorable Cookie Dough Christmas Trees from the Holiday Tribute Store. They’re available in chocolate and white chocolate, and since we’re dreaming of a white Christmas here in Florida, we decided …
PHOTOS: NEW “The Haunted Mansion” Oven Mitt Materializes at Walt Disney World
Iain
There’s room for one more… yummy treat! A new oven mitt features one of The Haunted Mansion’s most well-known lines. Rather than a 1,000th ghost, the oven mitt is hinting that there’s room on the plate for another snack. We found the new oven mitt at Memento Mori in the Magic Kingdom. The Haunted Mansion …