Shannen Ace, Author at WDW News Today

Abigail Disney Talks Brand Erosion and Executive Salaries in Latest Interview, Says The Walt Disney Company "Needs to be Saved From Itself"

December 19, 2020

Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, is once again expressing concern about The Walt Disney Company and specifically its hourly employees. Disney spoke about the company this week with The Hollywood Reporter‘s editor-at-large Kim Masters on KCRW’s The Business podcast. “I don’t believe that the company and the magic can survive this kind … Read more

PHOTOS: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Facade Work Continues with New Scrim and More Plywood Panels at EPCOT

December 18, 2020

Work continues over at the former Universe of Energy as the corrugated panels on the roof of Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT are now entirely covered in plywood. Solar panels will (eventually, supposedly) be installed on the plywood as an homage to the original pavilion. The yellow railing is temporary while work … Read more

The Mara at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Reopening This Holiday Season For Limited-Time Breakfast

December 18, 2020

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The Mara at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge is reopening on December 23, 2020, for the final two weeks of the year. The Walt Disney World website currently lists hours for the restaurant through January 2, 2021, after which hours are no longer available. The Mara will be open 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM daily for … Read more

PHOTOS: NEW "Fantasia", "Rescuers Down Under", "Toy Story", Christmas Day, and More Limited Edition Pins Arrive at Disneyland Resort

December 18, 2020

With 2020 coming to an end, Disneyland Resort has just released several anniversary and holiday pins all at once. Keep reading for pictures and prices of all the new pins we found at Downtown Disney District today. Limited Edition Happy New Year 2021 Pin – $17.99 This is a limited edition of 2500. Limited Edition … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Cast Members Testing Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover at the Magic Kingdom

December 18, 2020

The Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover has been closed since early March, before Magic Kingdom closed due to COVID-19. The attraction has been closed for refurbishment ever since. Today, Cast Members were seen testing a PeopleMover vehicle. There was a Cast Member visible at the PeopleMover hub beneath Astro Orbiter. Another Cast Member was pushing and … Read more

Walt Disney World Theme Park Hours Extended First Week of January 2021

December 18, 2020December 18, 2020

Walt Disney World has extended theme park hours from January 1, 2021, through January 9, 2021. The new hours are below. Magic Kingdom: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Previously 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) EPCOT: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Previously 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM) Hollywood Studios: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Previously 10:00 AM to 7:00 … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Old Locker Rooms Converted Into Shop Extension at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Universal's Islands of Adventure

December 18, 2020

With the opening of a brand new expanded locker area next to Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Universal’s Islands of Adventure, the old, small locker area inside Hogwarts was no longer necessary. It has now been converted into an extension of the nearby shop, Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. The extension of the … Read more

SHOP: “Cast Members Are The Magic” Tee Returns to The Carousel of Products – 100% of Proceeds Benefit The Cast Member Pantry

December 18, 2020

Our “Cast Members Are The Magic” tee was so popular, it sold out in the first day. Now the tee is back in grey on the Carousel of Products. “Cast Members Are The Magic” T-Shirt – $20 The front of this shirt has the Walt Disney quote, “You can design and create, and build the … Read more

PHOTOS: New "Soarin' Around the World" Apparel and Magnet at EPCOT

December 18, 2020

Take a trip around the world with this new merchandise inspired by Soarin’ Around the World now available at EPCOT. Featuring flight pilot Mickey and Minnie, these adorable designs will have you ready for takeoff in no time. “Travel the World” Adult Hoodie – $49.99 “Have a Nice Flight” Ladies Tee – $36.99 “I’d Rather … Read more

PHOTOS: New Disney Parks Designer Collection Minnie Holiday Ear Headband by BaubleBar Arrives at Walt Disney World

December 18, 2020

The newest Disney Parks Designer Collection ears by BaubleBar are perfect for anyone putting together a Minnie Mouse look for the holidays. They arrived on shopDisney this morning and are also available at Walt Disney World. Minnie Mouse Ear Headband for Adults by BaubleBar – $78.00 The headband and ears are black velvet, while the … Read more

PHOTOS: Universal Orlando Resort Entrance Lines Stretch Through CityWalk Into Parking Garages

December 18, 2020

The lines to enter both Universal Orlando Resort theme parks this morning stretch almost to the security screening area in the parking garage. The moving walkways and sidewalks leading into CityWalk are full of people. Given this crowd, we expect the theme parks to reach capacity soon. They last reached capacity on December 12, 2020. … Read more

SHOP: New Disney Parks Designer Collection Winter Minnie Ear Headband by BaubleBar Now Available on shopDisney

December 18, 2020

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The brand new Disney Parks Designer Collection winter Minnie Mouse ear headband by BaubleBar is now available on shopDisney! Minnie Mouse Ear Headband for Adults by BaubleBar – $78.00 Minnie’s sparkling personality is reflected in the multiple faceted stones decorating the ears of this glamorous headband. Created by BaubleBar, its crimson grosgrain bow is accented … Read more

PHOTOS: NEW Christmas Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto Pandora Jewelry Charms Available at Walt Disney World

December 17, 2020

Celebrate Christmas with two new Pandora Jewelry charms featuring Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto. These charms are now available at Walt Disney World and would make a great gift for a friend or for yourself! Pluto Christmas Charm – $65 The first charm is of Pluto wearing a Santa hat and with a present at his … Read more

PHOTOS: NEW Disney's Wilderness Lodge Shirts Now Available at Walt Disney World

December 17, 2020

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is all dressed up for the holidays, and now we can get all dressed up for the resort with two new themed shirts. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Raglan – $34.99 This raglan has a Wilderness Lodge logo with a picture of water next to the lodge. Snow White Women’s Tee – $34.99 On … Read more

PHOTOS: New 2021 Dated Merchandise (Apparel, Accessories, Mugs, Stationery, and More) at Walt Disney World

December 17, 2020

Happy (almost) new year! With 2021 fast approaching, it’s time to get your New Year gear ready for those midnight celebrations. Walt Disney World has plenty of apparel to choose from, for adults and kids alike, plus some other merchandise. 2021 ID Holder – $17.99 2021 Minnie Mouse Baby Onesie – $19.99 2021 Youth Minnie … Read more

PHOTOS: New Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Photo Frame and 'Olu Mel Keychain at Walt Disney World

December 17, 2020

While Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort remains under construction, we can still shop inside the Great Ceremonial House and maybe even commemorate our time there with a new photo frame. Polynesian Village Resort Photo Frame – $24.99 This cute frame has Minnie Mouse playing a ukulele while wearing a flower dress. Mickey is running across the … Read more