Katie Francis, Author at WDW News Today

BREAKING: Disney Reaches Agreement with Unions, Unionized Cast Members Will Be Required to Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19

August 24, 2021August 23, 2021

In a statement released today by the Services Trade Council, it was announced that Disney has reached an agreement with the unions to require Cast Members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “Employees with medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs will be eligible to apply for an accommodation through a negotiated process. This process … Read more

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to Close for Refurbishment at Disneyland on September 7, Reopening 'Fall 2021'

August 23, 2021

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Disneyland Resort has updated their website to show a refurbishment scheduled for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad beginning September 7. As of now, the reopening is set for “fall 2021.” An exact date has yet to be announced.

Biometric Fingerprint Scans Resume at Walt Disney World

August 23, 2021

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As reported yesterday, biometric fingerprint scanning has resumed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. To enter the park, you must place your finger on the scanner after tapping in with your ticket or MagicBand. Biometric scanning also returned to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park today, and we expect to see it roll out to the rest of … Read more

'Cruella' Streaming to All Disney+ Subscribers on Friday, August 27

August 23, 2021

The newest Disney Villain live-action film, “Cruella,” will be available for streaming to all Disney+ subscribers beginning this Friday, August 27. “Academy Award® winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) stars in Disney’s “Cruella,” an all-new live-action feature film about the rebellious early days of one of cinema’s most notorious – and notoriously fashionable – villains, the legendary Cruella de Vil. … Read more

New Details about Disneyland Resort Magic Key Program Revealed, Including Payment Plans, Ticket Upgrades, and More

August 23, 2021August 23, 2021

The Disney Parks Blog has posted a new FAQ regarding the new Magic Key Pass program coming to Disneyland Resort on August 25. The Magic Key is the replacement for the former Annual Passholder program. See the new information below. Where to Purchase a Magic Key Pass Magic Key passes will only be available online … Read more

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Reopens at Orlando International Airport

August 23, 2021

If you’re traveling through the Orlando International Airport (MCO), you once again have the opportunity to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination. Walmart is hosting a clinic providing the Pfizer vaccination Thursday – Monday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. The clinic is located on Level 3 of the Main Terminal, in the East Hall/Hyatt Atrium … Read more

Target to Add 'Disney Store' Shops to 160 More US Locations

August 23, 2021

In the wake of the news of more Disney Stores closing nationwide, Target has announced its “Disney Store” shops will come to 160 more U.S. locations. Originally announced in 2019, Target has added a dedicated Disney Store section to 65 locations across the country. Now, 160 more stores will receive the addition. The areas included … Read more

PHOTOS: The Liberty Square Riverboat Closes for Refurbishment at the Magic Kingdom

August 23, 2021

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The Liberty Square Riverboat, the Liberty Belle, has closed for its scheduled refurbishment at the Magic Kingdom. The refurbishment will be short, with the Riverboat scheduled to be back in action on September 1. The Liberty Belle is a 47-foot steam-powered paddle wheeler. When the attraction is operating, the boat takes guests on a 17-minute … Read more

VIDEO: Shaman of Songs Audio-Animatronic Malfunctions on Na'vi River Journey at Disney's Animal Kingdom

August 23, 2021

Yet another audio-animatronic has malfunctioned at Walt Disney World, bringing the total over the last week up to five. The Shaman of Songs on Na’vi River Journey, part of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, was seen malfunctioning by TikTok user erinn_disneyplanner. Watch the video below to see the moment when … Read more

CONCEPT ART: Story Details Revealed for "The Princess and the Frog" Retheming of Splash Mountain

August 23, 2021August 23, 2021

To kick off the celebrations for World Princess Week, Disney has released more details about the upcoming “The Princess and the Frog” retheme of Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom. Imagineers are working on developing the new concept and divulged some of the behind-the-scenes inspirations. “Tiana is an ambitious and resilient woman, … Read more

PHOTOS: Shoulder Banshee Toys Sold Out at Pandora - The World of Avatar in Disney's Animal Kingdom

August 23, 2021

Guests looking to “adopt” (purchase) a shoulder Banshee toy from The Rookery inside Windtraders Shop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will have to settle for the plush version. The shop inside Pandora – The World of Avatar is sold out of the popular souvenirs. The branches of The Rookery are usually filled with the Ikran, as … Read more

WDWNT Daily Recap (8/22/21): DJ Performs Closing Announcements at Magic Kingdom, Dockside Diner & Tune-in Lounge Reopen at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Living With the Land Fails to Open at EPCOT, and More

August 22, 2021

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, August 22, 2021. Walt Disney World … Read more

UPDATE: Disney Pulls DJ From Magic Kingdom Before Closing Announcements Tonight

August 22, 2021

At the last second this evening, Disney reportedly pulled the DJ before he began performing atop the Main Street Train Station. We reported on this new addition earlier tonight, and fans let themselves be heard. It’s unknown why Disney canceled the DJ after he had already set up for the evening, but it’s possible the … Read more

Biometric Scanning to Resume at Disney's Animal Kingdom Tomorrow, August 23

August 22, 2021

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Disney paused the use of biometric fingerprint scanners at the admission tapstiles when the parks reopened in July 2020, but they make a return tomorrow, August 23. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be the first park to see the process resume. Guests will need to once again place their finger on the scanner after tapping in … Read more

PHOTOS: Living With the Land Fails to Open for Two Days at EPCOT

August 22, 2021

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Living With the Land, part of The Land Pavilion at EPCOT, has failed to open for two days in a row. It is not currently scheduled for a refurbishment or planned closure. Cast Members are stationed outside the attraction to notify guests of the closure and direct them to other experiences. In addition to the … Read more

VIDEO: New DJ Making Closing Announcements from Main Street Train Station at Magic Kingdom, 'Kiss Goodnight' Has Yet to Return

August 22, 2021

When nighttime spectaculars returned to the Magic Kingdom, many fans had hoped to see the “Kiss Goodnight,” the closing announcement and changing castle lights, return as well. It did not, but now Disney has added a new way to say goodbye with an uncostumed DJ making announcements from atop the Main Street Train Station. See … Read more