Shannen Ace, Author at WDW News Today

PHOTOS: Work Begins On Remodeling “The Great Ceremonial House” at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Entrance and Elevator Rehab Underway

September 29, 2020

Work has begun on the refurbishment Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, which will not fully reopen until next summer. While there’s a year to go in the project, some areas are already beginning to close. Construction materials and equipment are staged along parts of the parking lot. The main entrance to The Great Ceremonial House is … Read more

Savi's Workshop Adds Reservations Past Park Close at Disney's Hollywood Studios

September 29, 2020

Savi’s Workshop just reopened their build-your-own lightsaber experience in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests must make reservations ahead of time and it’s been booking up fast. However, new reservation times have been added for past park closing time, suggesting hours may be extended. Reservations at 7:05 PM and 7:25 PM are … Read more

PHOTOS: Royal Blue Segment Revealed as Painting Begins on Magic Kingdom Toll Plaza Transformation

September 29, 2020

Yesterday, work began on the transformation of the Magic Kingdom toll plaza to celebrate the park’s upcoming 50th anniversary. When we returned to Magic Kingdom today, workers had already made significant progress on the plaza. The refurbishment is scheduled to take eight weeks. Three lanes have been closed off for the first step of repainting. … Read more

Disney+ Introduces New "GroupWatch" Feature

September 29, 2020

Disney+ users in the U.S.A. are now able to simultaneously watch a series or film with friends in different places with the GroupWatch feature. Users can hit the GroupWatch icon on whatever title they want to watch, then invite other Disney+ users to join. Once other users have accepted the invite, you can start watching … Read more

Main Street Electrical Parade Appearing on "Dancing With the Stars" Tonight for Disney Night

September 28, 2020

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Tonight, contestants on Dancing with the Stars will be dancing to Disney music for a themed “Disney Night.” It seems we will also be getting a glimpse of an old classic, as Dancing with the Stars shared an image of a Main Street Electrical Parade float on stage. The Main Street Electrical Parade was last … Read more

PHOTOS: New "The Haunted Mansion" Magnets Materialize at Walt Disney World

September 28, 2020

Warn visitors of hitchhiking ghosts in your refrigerator with one of these three new “The Haunted Mansion” magnets. One magnet features Leota floating within the words “Summoning A Good Time!” Another magnet features a simple Haunted Mansion logo on the iconic wallpaper. The final magnet features three skeletal hands with the words, “Beware Hitchhiking Ghosts.” … Read more

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in EPCOT to Only Open on Weekends

September 28, 2020

Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe in the Norway Pavilion in EPCOT just reopened a few days ago. Unfortunately, Kringla will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays, for now. Kringla Bakeri will be open from 11:30 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends. EPCOT closes at 9:00 PM for the next two weekends, and 7:00 PM after … Read more

New "Hocus Pocus" Milkshake and Limited Edition Cup Available at Carvel Ice Cream Through Halloween

September 28, 2020

In honor of Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween, Carvel Ice Cream has introduced a wicked new Hocus Pocus-themed milkshake, available now through November 1st. The ice cream is vanilla soft-serve, with Oreo cookie pieces, whipped cream, and sprinkles, served in a limited edition Hocus Pocus cup. The cup features the three Sanderson Sisters surrounded by … Read more

The Walt Disney Company Must Provide Outline of Pay Equity Study as Gender Pay Gap Lawsuit Continues

September 28, 2020

Last year, a group of female employees suing Disney recently sought to conduct an analysis of pay data to prove gender disparities. Since then, it has come out that Disney had already hired consultants in 2017 to conduct a pay equity study. The plaintiffs in the case are demanding to see these documents, which they … Read more

PHOTOS: New "The Haunted Mansion" Dooney & Bourke Collection Arrives at Magic Kingdom

September 28, 2020

Dooney & Bourke has a new collection for The Haunted Mansion, now available at Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. The pattern matches the parks’ latest round of Haunted Mansion merchandise, including leggings, shirts, and a dress. It features ghosts, stretching room portrait characters, and more icons from the attraction. The Haunted Mansion Wallet – $178 … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Universal Orlando Resort Transitioning Back to Fingerprint Scanners at Park Entrances

September 28, 2020

Universal Orlando Resort is testing using fingerprint scanners again at theme park entrances. Since reopening, guests have only been required to show a picture ID with their tickets, to reduce contact with touch points. Today, guests were asked to use finger scanners, with Team Members wiping down the scanners after each guest. A Team Member … Read more

SHOP: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Legacy Lightsabers and Costumes Now Available on shopDisney

September 28, 2020

As previously announced, select Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge items are now available on shopDisney. Shoppers can get legacy lightsabers and costume pieces, so you can become a Jedi at home. Keep reading for a look at some of the items available. Costume Sets Kids and adult costumes are available. You can buy a full set … Read more

PHOTOS: Construction Walls Installed Along Exit for "it's a small world" at the Magic Kingdom

September 28, 2020

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Construction walls have been added to the exterior of “it’s a small world.” This comes just after Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for graphic installation at the attraction. The walls are on the righthand side of the attraction’s facade, where the attraction exits. This is also where the entrance to the attraction was until … Read more

New Duffy Halloween 2020 Popcorn Bucket Coming to Shanghai Disney Resort

September 28, 2020

Guests visiting Shanghai Disney Resort can get a cute new Halloween popcorn bucket shaped like Duffy the bear. Duffy is in a spooky toy soldier outfit with a jack-o’-lantern in front of him. The pumpkin is filled to the brim with popcorn. The bucket will be available at quick service restaurants and outdoor vending carts … Read more

PHOTOS: Heavy Crowds at Universal Studios Florida This Weekend for Continued Halloween Offerings

September 27, 2020

Universal Studios Florida is the most crowded we have seen it since it reopened. Last weekend, the parks hit capacity as Halloween festivities began. This weekend, it seems Universal is less concerned about limited capacity. Universal Studios Florida’s two Halloween Horror Nights haunted houses are open today and tomorrow, and then will be operating daily … Read more