Katie Francis

Katie is a lover of all theme parks and an avid reader. Her favorite rides are Spaceship Earth and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. You can find her daydreaming of the Florida sun, and you can reach her at katie@wdwnt.com.

UPDATE: Walt Disney World Relaxes Face Mask Policy A Day Early, PhotoPass Photographers Now Shooting Mask-less Guests

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Despite the announcement yesterday that maskless photography would be permitted starting on April 8th, Disney’s PhotoPass photographers allowed (and encouraged) guests to remove their masks this morning. Until now, photographers were enforcing the COVID-19 safety protocol of wearing masks even while taking photographs. Signs are still up with the official guidelines requiring masks to be … Read more

Inside Disney’s America: A Look Into A Rare Patriotic Proposal for the Unbuilt Park

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Did you know we almost had a Disney theme park in Virginia? Disney’s America, “Celebrating America’s diversity, spirit, and innovation,” was announced to the public in 1993. Disney had purchased 3,000 acres of land, intending to pay homage to America’s storied past while making history fun. Recently, we were invited to Heritage Auctions in Dallas, … Read more

Orange County Mask Mandate Will Stay Until 50% of Population Vaccinated Says Mayor Jerry Demmings

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Orange County Mayor Jerry Demmings commented today on the county’s mask mandate, saying it will likely remain in effect until 50% of the population is vaccinated. He estimates this to be around July 2021. The mandate, which was introduced in 2020, declares that every person in Orange County must wear a face covering, and businesses … Read more

PHOTOS: New Exclusive Mickey Mouse Ray-Bans Arrive at the Magic Kingdom

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Fashion alert! New Ray-Bans featuring the one and only Mickey Mouse are looking sleek at Sunglass Hut Island Supply Stand at the Magic Kingdom. While last September’s Ray-Ban x Disney release is still available online, these new pairs are available only at Walt Disney World. Exclusive Mickey Mouse Ray-Bans – $219 There are two variants … Read more

PHOTOS: Scaffolding Erected Around Suggestive Photo Spot for Possible Removal from Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT

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The adage “Any press is good press” is not so true in the age of social media, and Disney seems to agree. We recently reported that more construction walls had gone up in the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT, blocking the back half of the area near Restaurant Marrakesh. Today, we have a better look at … Read more

PHOTOS: Barrel Bridge Reinstalled on Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom

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Tom Sawyer Island at the Magic Kingdom reopened in February after an extended refurbishment. However, several areas of the island were still closed. Fort Langhorn has since reopened, though with no visible changes. Now the barrel bridge has returned but is still closed to park guests. We previously showed you this photo of the missing … Read more

Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa 2022 Bookings Now Available

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If a tropical getaway is just what the doctor ordered, you’re in luck! Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa has updated its official website to offer reservations for 2022. Aulani, located on the island of O’ahu in Hawai’i, offers an island paradise with the Disney magic you know and love. The calendar is updated through … Read more

PHOTOS: New Mousewares Ice Cream Scoop Available at Downtown Disney District

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Scoop up some Disney fun at home with this new colorful ice cream scoop, the latest addition to the “Mousewares” kitchen collection at Disneyland Resort. You can find the new scoop and the rest of the collection at World of Disney in Downtown Disney District. Some “Mousewares” items are available on ShopDisney, but the scoop … Read more

PHOTOS: New Bamboo Bar and Patio at Splitsville Luxury Lanes Now Open to Guests at Disney Springs

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For the bowlers among us, this new bar area might be right up your alley. After the patio construction finished at Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs West Side, the indoor bar and outdoor service windows are now open for guests, an area now named “Bamboo Bar”. Bamboo Bar takes the place of the old … Read more

PHOTOS: Mad Tea Party Top Keychain Spins Into World of Disney at Disneyland Resort

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A Very Merry Unbirthday to fans of the Mad Tea Party! Now you can bring a tiny version of your favorite ride vehicle along with you wherever you go. Yesterday, we showed you the new spinning top keychain toys inspired by the parking structures at Disneyland Resort. Today, another top has joined the collection, this … Read more

REVIEW: Limited Time Marshmallow Soft Serve Ice Cream Available at Pineapple Lanai in Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

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The arrival of Easter weekend is bursting with surprises. Just this morning, we spotted Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny at the Magic Kingdom, and now this delicious treat has arrived at Pineapple Lanai at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Easter Marshmallow Soft Serve – $4.99 The pastel pink ice cream is surprisingly pleasing. The marshmallow flavor … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Mr. and Mrs. Easter Making Surprise Appearances at the Magic Kingdom

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With Easter just around the corner, Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny have returned to the Magic Kingdom. This adorable couple can be found on the right side of Cinderella Castle. Due to COVID-19 safety procedures, the Bunnies greet guests from the lawn rather than the traditional meet and greet. Mr. Easter Bunny can be found … Read more

Walt Disney World Guest Arrested After Sneaking Through Temperature Check

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While most guests have been happy to follow Disney’s COVID-19 safety protocol, some have been more confrontational. One guest protested his arrest after he skipped the mandatory temperature screening and refused to comply with security. Kelly Sills, 47, was visiting Walt Disney World from Louisiana on February 13th when he refused to comply with temperature … Read more

PHOTOS: “Communicore Skylight” Tubes Seemingly Complete for New MouseGear at EPCOT

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MouseGear continues to operate from its temporary location, but more progress on its permanent home’s interior renovation is now visible. On the south side of the former Innoventions East, window coverings have been removed, allowing a sneak peek inside. Only a small section of windows is uncovered, and the barrier is still up around the … Read more

PHOTOS: More Framework Installed for New EPCOT Restaurants in World Celebration Neighborhood, MouseGear Work Continues

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The storied history of the EPCOT and Innoventions East continues. With the most recent iteration of Innoventions closed in 2019, a complete renovation is underway as part of the reimagining of EPCOT. The building, which also formerly housed Electric Umbrella until 2020, is slated to become the home of a new restaurant and Starbucks location. … Read more

PHOTOS: Decorative Facade Accents Added to La Gelateria as Construction Continues in Italy at EPCOT

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While construction has been stagnant since we first brought you news of the latest addition to the Italy Pavilion at EPCOT, we can’t wait to try the frozen treats soon. Since our last update, more facade work has been done on La Gelateria, the new gelato stand. Decorative window accents have been installed and the … Read more

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