Justin Topa

Justin Topa has been a staff writer for WDW News Today since November 2022. A native of Scranton, Pa., Topa is almost always daydreaming about Walt Disney World. On days when he is not rope-dropping or resort-hopping, you could probably find Topa sulking at home with his two dogs. You can e-mail Topa at [email protected].

‘Super Mario’ Creator Shigeru Miyamoto Reveals Super Nintendo World Almost Included Other Characters

Super Nintendo World Universal Studios Hollywood

In a recent interview with GameSpot, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, creator of “Mario”, revealed that Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom cohorts weren’t necessarily the only Nintendo characters originally imagined for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood. When asked why the land was named the broader “Super Nintendo World”, Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto shared that, while … Read more

Disney Parks Chairman Josh D’Amaro Declares TRON as “Tip of the Iceberg” for Future Attractions

Josh D'Amaro Tron Lightcycle / Run Preview

After riding TRON Lightcycle / Run today at Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products Chairman Josh D’Amaro declared that the attraction is an exciting and ambitious start to a transformative future of attractions yet to come. In an interview with the Orlando Business Journal, D’Amaro shared some thoughts on his ride along Walt … Read more

PHOTOS: Topiaries Light the Night at 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

A number of character topiaries light the night throughout EPCOT as the 2023 International Flower & Garden Festival officially begins. Check out our photos of some of the nighttime topiaries below. Mirabel, Antonio, Isabela, and Luisa from “Encanto” – Main Entrance All of the featured members of the Family Madrigal are lit at the main entrance … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: New Spaceship Earth Spectacle of Light Show Debuts with ‘Encanto’ Song for 2023 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival

A new “Spectacle of Light” show has debuted in EPCOT, bringing the music of Disney’s “Encanto” to Spaceship Earth as part of the 2023 International Flower & Garden Festival. Amidst grey skies, the newest light show to decorate Spaceship Earth debuted, featuring the song “What Else Can I Do?” from Disney’s “Encanto.” The song was … Read more

EPCOT Entry Tapstiles Receive Golden Makeover at International Gateway

Golden Entry Tapstiles International Gateway EPCOT 00001

EPCOT is the latest park at the Walt Disney World Resort to have its silver entry tapstiles upgraded to gold. All guests entering through the International Gateway entrance will pass through the new golden devices. The tapstile replacements seem to be for aesthetic reasons only, as we did not notice a difference when tapping in … Read more

Magic Kingdom Adds a New Doll in Wheelchair to “it’s a small world”

it's a small world doll in a wheelchair

“it’s a small world” celebrates the global cultures and heritage of people from around the world, but the attraction became more inclusive in its diverse collection of more than 300 audio-animatronic dolls last night. The beloved opening day attraction in Magic Kingdom has added its first child in a wheelchair to better reflect all children … Read more

DeSantis Hopes Reedy Creek Board Appointees Will Help Disney Bring ‘Entertainment All Families Can Appreciate’

Governor Ron DeSantis - Reedy Creek Improvement District

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Reedy Creek Fire Station yesterday before signing legislation for the state government to take over control of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. In a question and answer session following the signing of the bill, DeSantis shared some of the qualities and skillsets he deemed most helpful among the … Read more

Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden To Serve On President Joe Biden’s Export Council

Dana Walden

Disney Entertainment Co-Chair Dana Walden has been named to President Joe Biden’s Export Council, a group of business executives, union leaders, and legal experts that advises the president on international trade relations. The President’s Export Council serves as the principal national advisory committee on international trade. The Council is tasked with providing recommendations and insight into the ways … Read more

Disneyland Celebrates 95th Academy Awards with Limited-Time Treats and Photo Backdrops

For a limited time, Disneyland guests can join in on the Academy Awards fun with specialty-themed food options and Oscar-worthy photo ops in Disney California Adventure and the Grand Californian Hotel and Spa. Walt Disney’s Snow White Oscar Statue A one-of-a-kind Snow White-inspired Oscar statue that was awarded to Walt Disney will be on display as part … Read more

Celebrate the Oscars with Limited-Time Treats and Photo-Ops at Walt Disney World

Academy Awards Oscars Treats

The 95th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and guests visiting Walt Disney World will have the chance to celebrate the Oscars with specialty-themed food options and photo opportunities. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will feature a number of Oscars-themed treats, including a specialty popcorn and a tropical dessert with a decorative topper. The treats will be … Read more

Chapek Reportedly Shared Woes with Desantis, Florida Governor Signs Legislation at Reedy Creek Press Conference, First Look at EPCOT Flower & Garden Merch, & More: Daily Recap (2/27/23)

Daily Recap - Feb. 27, 2023

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 Monday, February 27, 2023. Walt Disney World Magic … Read more

First Look at Annual Passholder Exclusive Merchandise Collection for 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

2023 International Flower and Garden Festival - Annual Passholder Exclusive Merchandise

Walt Disney World has given a sneak peek at an exclusive collection of merchandise that will be offered for Annual Passholders visiting the 2023 International Flower & Garden Festival. The AP-exclusive collection will feature iconography from the other three merchandise collections: 1970s-inspired Orange Bird, Snow White Flowers and Forest Friends, and Figment’s Cacti Garden. Each … Read more

Tribal Masks Replaced at EPCOT, Enterprise Post-Show Experience Coming to TRON Lightcycle Run, “Not-Your-Cheese” Pump Damaged in Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Queue, & More: Daily Recap (2/26/23)

Daily Recap - 022623

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 Sunday, February 26, 2023. Walt Disney World Magic … Read more

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