Shannen Ace, Author at WDW News Today

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Anastasia and Drizella Meet Their Adoring Fans at a Distance From Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom

July 9, 2020

anastasia drizella social distance meet and greet

Character meet-and-greets are currently suspended at Walt Disney World, but Disney has found ways to still let guests interact with characters. These have included the Royal Princess Processional, the Mickey & Friends Cavalcade, and Country Bears on the rooftops of Frontierland. Now it looks like Cinderella’s stepsisters have invaded her castle in Magic Kingdom so … Read more

shopDisney Introducing New MerchPass Early Access Drawing System with Release of Disney Castle Collection Arendelle Series

July 9, 2020

Earlier this year, Disney announced “The Disney Castle Collection”, which celebrates the castle of Disney heroines with figurines, pins, ornaments, and more. This series is exclusive to shopDisney, and began in April with the release of Cinderella’s castle. The next series, celebrating Frozen‘s Arendelle Castle, will be released later this month through shopDisney’s new MerchPass … Read more

PHOTOS: New Coca-Cola x Walt Disney World Resort Themed Tumblers Arrive at Disney Springs

July 4, 2020

The Coca-Cola store at Disney Springs has added a new group of Tervis tumblers to their collection of Walt Disney World themed merchandise. There are seven fun new mugs, so let’s take a look! All the mugs feature the classic Mickey head silhouette and the Coca-Cola logo. There are two versions of each mug style … Read more

PHOTOS: New Wishables Mystery Pin Set Arrives at Disney Springs

July 4, 2020

If you love Wishables, then you’re going to love this new mystery bag of Wishables pins! Like most mystery pin sets, the pack contains five out of sixteen possible pin designs. The collection includes two pins each from eight different Wishables sets. There’s Buzz and an alien, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, Ariel and Flounder, … Read more

AMC Theatres Delays Reopening to July 30 After Postponement of “Mulan” and Other Blockbusters

June 29, 2020

According to Deadline, AMC Theatres has delayed their reopening from July 15 to July 30. This follows the announcement of big blockbusters being postponed, including Disney’s live-action Mulan, which will now release August 21. AMC Theatres’ CEO & President Adam Aron spoke to Deadline about the delayed reopening and their dedication to safety. We continue … Read more

Major Restaurant Menu Cuts Strike Across Walt Disney World Resort Ahead of Theme Park Reopenings

June 24, 2020June 23, 2020

We already saw menu cuts at multiple Disney resorts as they began to reopen this week. We now have a list of theme park restaurants that will have major changes when the parks reopen next month. Some favorite menu items have been removed, including the highly popular Shiriki Noodle Salad and the S.E.A. Shu Mai … Read more

PHOTOS: Updated Pin Trading Procedures During COVID-19 Pandemic at Walt Disney World Resort

June 23, 2020

With the reopening of Walt Disney World Resort comes many changes to regular procedures, including pin trading. We learned earlier this month that Cast Members will no longer have pin trading lanyards, but pin boards will still be in select locations. Despite that announcement, no pin boards were at Disney Pin Traders when it reopened. … Read more

SHOP: Select “it’s a small world” Collection Items from Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction Restocked on shopDisney

June 17, 2020

While future series of the Minnie Mouse: The Main Attraction collection have been suspended for the summer, shopDisney has restocked some of April’s “it’s a small world” series. Each collection includes a Minnie Mouse plushie, mug, pin set, bag, and ears. For now, only the plushie, mug, and pin set have been restocked on shopDisney.com. … Read more

DVC Confirms Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House Will Be Closed During Initial Reopening Period; Reservations Will Be Switched to Kidani Village

June 17, 2020

Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House Refurbished Room

Disney Vacation Club recently announced they would reopen their Walt Disney World resorts to members and guests beginning June 22. However, guests were not able to make reservations at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House for the rest of the year. This sparked speculation that Jambo House was being reserved for NBA players during … Read more

PHOTOS: New “Snow White” Color-Changing Poisoned Apple Mug Now Available Disney Springs

June 15, 2020

We know that many of you love your Disney mugs, and we’ve got a wicked new addition to your collection. This Evil Queen-inspired mug is based on the poisoned apple she gives to Snow White. Without a drink in the cup, the red mug seems to have black liquid dripping down the sides. Once filled … Read more

PHOTOS: Coca-Cola Store Reopens at Disney Springs with Social Distancing, No Polar Bear Meet-and-Greet, and Changes to the Rooftop Bar

June 15, 2020

Today, the Coca-Cola store reopened at Disney Springs. We took the long walk up the ramp to see the new social distancing guidelines and changes to the soda bar on the top floor. Outside the building are social distance markers for guests lining up around the entrance. The floor markers instruct guests to stand behind … Read more

VIDEO: EA Releases Trailer For New “Star Wars: Squadrons” Video Game

June 15, 2020

EA has just announced their next Star Wars video game, “Star Wars: Squadrons,” with an action-packed trailer. The trailer promises a first-person game focused on the pilots of the Star Wars universe, opening in the middle of an intense chase between an X-Wing and TIE fighter. While a single-player campaign option will be available, the … Read more

PHOTOS: New Mickey Mouse Camera Phone Case With Strap Arrives at Disney Springs

June 11, 2020

As Walt Disney World’s phased reopening continues, more stores are revealing merchandise that we’ve been missing out on! We spotted this D-Tech phone case at the Disneyland Resort just before it closed in March, and now you can pick it up at Disney Springs! The camera-style phone case is perfect for anyone who loves taking … Read more

Walt Disney World’s Disability Access Service Will Not Change Amid COVID-19 Precautions

June 8, 2020June 8, 2020

With Walt Disney World re-opening on July 11, Disney is implementing several new policies to keep guests and Cast Members safe during the continued COVID-19 pandemic. These precautions include the cancellation of all FastPass+ through the end of the year so the extra queue space can be used for social distancing measures. Thankfully for disabled … Read more

PHOTOS: New “Love is Universal” Pride Merchandise Collection Debuts at Universal Orlando Resort

June 4, 2020

Disney isn’t the only theme park with their own line of merchandise for Pride Month. With Annual Passholder previews beginning at Universal Orlando, their Pride Month line has been revealed! The slogan featured on most of the merch is “Love is Universal” with a rainbow swoosh, similar to the face mask we reported on earlier. … Read more

PHOTOS, VIDEO: Characters Make Socially Distant Appearances at Universal Orlando

June 4, 2020

While character meet-and-greets have been suspended for the time being, Universal Orlando has found some unique ways to bring out their classic characters for guest interaction from afar. We got to wave to some cool characters during Annual Passholder previews. First up, Marilyn Monroe was cruising through Hollywood, waving and blowing kisses at guests. Nearby, … Read more