Katie Francis

Katie is the Editor in Chief of WDWNT and its subsites. She attended the University of Central Florida to study English and Hospitality Management. Katie joined WDWNT after working in the theme parks and attractions industry for more than ten years. Contact her at [email protected].

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Ceremony Held at Universal CityWalk for Return of Jimmy Buffett’s Hemisphere Dancer Plane to Margaritaville

A woman speaks on stage by Jimmy Buffett’s Hemisphere Dancer seaplane, surrounded by tropical Margaritaville flair.

Jimmy Buffett’s airplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, returned to Universal CityWalk Orlando in May, but work wasn’t completed around the area until recently. The Lone Palm Airport Bar, where the plane resides, reopened from refurbishment in April, albeit still surrounded by construction walls. Those walls came down in May, followed by the Hemisphere Dancer’s return, but … Read more

Universal Orlando Resort and Elon Musk Rumored to Be Developing Florida Tunnel & More: Daily Recap (7/11/25)

Collage of Universal globe, man in suit, Disney parade floats, smiling duo & Test Track at Universal Orlando Resort.

Several things were revealed for the Disney Starlight parade, including an original character, and Test Track soft opened at EPCOT — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, July 11, 2025. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom EPCOT New Merchandise Disneyland Resort Disneyland Park Disney California Adventure New Merchandise Universal Orlando Resort Epic … Read more

VIDEO: Last Ride Ever on the Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom

The Liberty Square Riverboat sparkles at night, marking its last-ever ride at Magic Kingdom.

The Liberty Square Riverboat made its final journey on Sunday, July 6, 2025, and WDWNT was onboard for the last trip around the Rivers of America. The Riverboat departed around 8:40 p.m. as the sun set over Magic Kingdom. Cast Members gathered to say their goodbyes on the docks. The Liberty Belle was not the … Read more

Liberty Square Riverboat & Rivers of America Now Permanently Closed to Make Way for ‘Cars’ at Magic Kingdom

A paddle steamboat with string lights glides past a lit Magic Kingdom riverside building, reflecting on calm water.

Rivers of America Closure Rivers of America Closure Liberty Square Riverboat Final Journey Rivers of America Closure Disney World Watch the Final Voyage of the Liberty Square Riverboat The Liberty Square Riverboat, along with Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America, has closed permanently at the Magic Kingdom. Liberty Square Riverboat Final Journey The … Read more

Tom Sawyer Island Now Permanently Closed at Magic Kingdom

Left: Tom Sawyer Island sign by the water; right: "Permanently Closed" sign blocks Magic Kingdom entrance with a person nearby.

Tom Sawyer Island has now permanently closed at the Magic Kingdom. The last raft of guests departed to the island around 7 p.m., the posted closing time, and returned to the shores of Frontierland around 7:42 p.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Pictured above is the final raft of guests crossing the river and then … Read more

Reopening Date Set for Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland

The Matterhorn Bobsleds mountain facade with a Monorail train driving by on an elevated track

A reopening date has been set for the Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland, according to the operational calendar on the official resort website. Matterhorn Bobsleds Disneyland Reopening Date The Matterhorn Bobsleds at Disneyland park closed for refurbishment on May 8, 2025. The Fantasyland attraction will reopen on July 24, missing the park’s 70th anniversary by one … Read more

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