While most of Walt Disney World has reopened, one of the most crucial elements of its success is still hurting. The Orlando Sentinel‘s Gabrielle Russon recently shared the story of a food bank organized by Unite Here 737, an Orlando-area union that represents Cast Members who work in food and beverage as well as housekeeping. … Read more
Following yesterday’s “One Goal, One Florida” theme park roundtable, Governor Ron DeSantis thanked both Universal Orlando Resort and the Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios Jackie Swisher for their participation. Governor DeSantis said it was “great to be at” Universal Orlando, who hosted the roundtable. Universal provided a surprise appearance by Professor Doctor Penelope Tibeaux-Tinker … Read more
A new research report from VISIT FLORIDA outlines how COVID-19 has heavily impacted travel to Florida during the second quarter of 2020. According to VISIT FLORIDA, Florida saw 12.8 million total visitors during 2020’s second quarter, which is a -60.5% decrease compared to last year. Domestic travelers accounted for 98.1%, or 12.6 million, of Florida’s … Read more
Although controversial at first, face masks have been a mandatory requirement for all guests at Walt Disney World since the resort began its phased reopening back in June. Since the initial requirement was announced, many updates to the policy have been made as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with tighter restrictions now in place. Now, according … Read more
Hurricane Isaias continues to make its way towards the east coast of Florida. As of the latest 5:00 PM advisory, a State of Emergency as well as Hurricane Watches and Warnings have been issued for several counties along the east coast of Florida. While the path for the Category 1-2 hurricane does not directly impact … Read more
Tropical Storm Isaias was officially upgraded to Hurricane status overnight, and continues to make its way towards the east coast of Florida. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued along the Treasure Coast. While the path for the Category 1-2 hurricane continues to slowly shift east, Central Florida could still face storm force winds this … Read more
The National Hurricane Center has updated its map for Tropical Storm Isaias, and while the path has shifted east, Central Florida could still face storm force winds this weekend. The NHC reported that the storm is currently over Puerto Rico and parts of the Virgin Islands, producing heavy rain and wind. The current track is … Read more
After being arrested for camping on the former site of Walt Disney World’s Discovery Island back in April, a Florida man has been formally charged by Florida State Attorney Aramis Ayala. According to ClickOrlando.com, Richard J. McGuire was formally charged with trespass on property other than structure or conveyance. In April, McGuire was found by … Read more
Could Walt Disney World be making a drive to let fans show their love on their license plates? A new bill in Florida may make it so. An eagle-eyed WDWNT reader noticed that Walt Disney World is featured as a possible entity that could be featured on new vanity license plates for Florida drivers, possibly … Read more
Who’s ready to take a trip down memory lane? Retro-inspired looks from the 70’s, 80’s, and 2000’s are featured in four new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World T-shirts on shopDisney! Disneyland Resort Mickey Mouse ”Where Dreams Come True” T-Shirt for Men – $24.99 The neon and pastels are out in full force in this … Read more
As new cases of COVID-19 approach 10,000, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated today that the state can keep businesses open while also controlling the spread of the virus. If guidelines are followed, like wearing masks, Gov. DeSantis and experts on the matter say the virus can be contained despite ballooning cases in Florida and other … Read more
While Florida’s theme parks begin to reopen following their months-long closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re now starting to see the economic impact that the closure had. WFTV reporter Deanna Allbrittin posted on Twitter that Orange County only collected $765,900 in Tourist Development Tax revenues for the month of April, a 97% decrease from … Read more
Noted architect and urban planner Jaquelin T. “Jaque” Robertson, has passed away at the age of 87, according to The New York Times. A graduate of the Yale School of Architecture, Robertson was the founder of the New York City Urban Design Group and New York City’s first Director of the Mayor’s Office of Midtown … Read more
With Disney Parks around the world closed for the foreseeable future, WDWNT is dipping into our archives of vintage materials for a look back into Disney history! We’re back with the second part of our look at Walt Disney Productions’ 1965 Annual Report, featuring Disney’s 1966 offerings in film, television, Disneyland and other real estate ventures, … Read more
The 11:00 AM update from the National Hurricane Center is here and the NHC has stated that Hurricane Dorian is now the strongest hurricane in modern record to hit the northwestern Bahamas, making it stronger than Hurricane Michael in 2018 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992. JUST IN: Hurricane Dorian has become the "strongest hurricane in … Read more
As Hurricane Dorian continues its unpredictable approach to the US mainland, Florida is breathing a collective sigh of relief. Recently it turned away from Florida (although remaining within the cone of uncertainty). And Orlando International Airport, having previously announced their closure on Monday, September 2nd, for the storm, has cancelled their closure. In a statement … Read more