Page 2435 – WDW News Today

Managers Emptying Offices, Staff Forced to Pay Back Health Insurance, and Mass Layoffs Part of the Ongoing Turmoil at EPCOT’s Morocco Pavilion

September 30, 2020 Jessica Figueroa

Up until recently, the Morocco Pavilion at EPCOT has made few headlines, beyond some questionable festival food booth items or the occasional new museum exhibit. However, in the aftermath of the COVID-19, few pavilions have been so publicly affected by the pandemic’s devastating impact. Back in April, Marrakesh Moroccan Restaurant, LLC. filed for a PPP … Read more

REVIEW: LeFou’s Apple Caramel Churro at Tokyo Disneyland Takes the Prize

September 30, 2020 Spencer Lloyd

Last year when the Oriental Land Company previewed the menus for Tokyo Disneyland’s New Fantasyland expansion, one of the items we were most excited for was the Apple Caramel Churro at the all-new LeFou’s within Belle’s Village! So we finally got to sample the new treat on opening day, and it was just as excellent … Read more

VIDEO: Take a Peek at the Queue for the NEW Minnie’s Style Studio Character Greeting at Tokyo Disneyland

September 30, 2020 Spencer Lloyd

Rounding out the trifecta of new experiences that opened this week, Minnie’s Style Studio is a new character greeting experience within Toontown at Tokyo Disneyland, exclusively for the mouse herself! While we took our first peeks inside last week, yesterday we were able to actually visit Minnie’s Style Studio for ourselves and take some quick … Read more

PHOTO REPORT: EPCOT 9/25/20 (Cool Wash Prepares To Reopen, Construction at Innoventions East, Demolition of Electric Umbrella Continues, and More)

September 29, 2020 Noelle Burk

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Hello from an unbelievably hot day at EPCOT! After a couple of days with ever so slightly cooler temperatures, today reminded us that we’re still in Florida, and we have a long ways to go until truly cooler weather is upon us. No amount of heat can keep us from having fun at Walt Disney … Read more

PHOTOS: Scrims and Scaffolding Surround Future Lockers at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in Universal’s Islands of Adventure

September 29, 2020 Shannen Michaelsen

New lockers have been under construction at Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey for over a month now. The pre-existing locker area inside of Hogwarts is currently a small space that was already difficult to navigate before social distancing was required. These new lockers are being built to the side of the queue entrance so … Read more

Helen Reddy, Nora in Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” and Singer of “Candle on the Water” Dies at 78

September 29, 2020 Jessica Figueroa

Helen Reddy, Australian singer, actress, and activist, has died at the age of 78. For many, she’s known for her hit song “I Am Woman”, but for old-school Disney fans, she played Nora in the 1977 film Pete’s Dragon, singing the Academy Award-nominated “Candle on the Water” love song. Reddy was diagnosed with dementia in … Read more

REVIEW: New Pumpkin Spiced Butter Pecan Shake at Beaches & Cream is a Spooky Sweet Treat

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020 David Noonan

Disney loves to deliver seasonal treats at their theme parks that draw us into the story of the season while thrilling our taste buds. With the cancellation of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party this year, we’re glad to celebrate the fall season with the many creative treats that Walt Disney World Resort restaurants have to offer. … Read more

Performers at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Fired in Recent Wave of Entertainment Cutbacks

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020 Jessica Figueroa

It’s been a rough day if not week for Disney Parks Cast Members and performers across Walt Disney World, as heartbreaking news of mass layoffs and entertainment cutbacks continues to surface. Earlier today, Disney Parks announced a mass layoff of approximately 28,000 Cast Members. The announcement came on the heels of the news that The … Read more

PHOTOS: NEW Slap Wrap Koozies Arrive at Disney’s Pop Century Resort

September 29, 2020 Chelsea Lomartire

To quench your thirst and cool off, stop by Petals Pool Bar at Disney’s Pop Century Resort where you will find delicious drinks and these new colorful slap wrap koozies.

Yehaa Bob Jackson Fired From Walt Disney World After 23 Years at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020 Chelsea Lomartire

For 23 years Yehaa Bob Jackson rocked the roost with wacky piano playing and singing at Port Orleans River Roost Lounge. Today he announced that he will not be returning to his role.

Service Trades Council Union Issues Statement on Cast Member Layoffs at Walt Disney World

September 29, 2020 Jessica Figueroa

Cinderella Castle Side View After Repainting

The Service Trades Council Union has issued a statement regarding the mass layoffs taking place across the Disney Parks division, affecting approximately 28,000 Cast Members at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort. The union, which represents the largest number of Cast Members at Walt Disney World, issued the following statement: The 6 unions of … Read more

Secretary of California Health & Human Services Speaks About Theme Parks Reopening “Soon”

September 29, 2020 Shannen Michaelsen

Dr. Mark Ghaly, Secretary of California Health and Human Services, spoke about theme parks reopening in a livestream earlier today. In response to a reporter’s question, Secretary Ghaly said that theme parks will, “Not [open] quite yet, but we’re getting very close.” In regards to theme parks’ reopening guidelines, he said, “We’re working hard to … Read more

BREAKING: Disney Parks Announces 28,000 Cast Member Layoffs Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

September 29, 2020September 29, 2020 Jessica Figueroa

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Mass layoffs have been announced at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, affecting approximately 28,000 Cast Members. Disney states that the prolonged impact of COVID-19 on their business, exacerbated by the extended closure of Disneyland, ultimately led to this decision. Below is the statement from Disney Parks Chairman, Josh D’Amaro. From Disney Parks: In light … Read more

Fishing Excursions Returning to Walt Disney World Resort

September 29, 2020 Shannen Michaelsen

Many recreational activities have remained shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but today we learned that recreation Cast Members were being called back to work in October. We now know that fishing is one of the activities that will be returning to the resort. Fishing excursions are regularly available at the following Walt Disney … Read more

PHOTOS: New Redesigned Classic Sequined Minnie Mouse Ear Headband at Walt Disney World

September 29, 2020 Shannen Michaelsen

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Walt Disney World has introduced yet another redesign of their classic sequined Minnie Mouse ear headband. The most recent version of these ears were introduced in July. The ears were hanging next to another old version of the ear headband. The lining of the ears is red, as is the bow. White polka-dots cover both … Read more

PHOTO: The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra Shares Last Photo Together

September 29, 2020 Shannen Michaelsen

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We learned a few days ago that Disney is letting go The Grand Floridian Society Orchestra, who have been playing at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for over thirty years. The band has also been playing as The Disney Society Orchestra as a temporary replacement for Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. … Read more