WEATHER ALERT
Disney World and Universal Orlando remain open ahead of Hurricane Milton
Read full article: Disney World and Universal Orlando remain open ahead of Hurricane MiltonMajor theme parks Walt Disney World and Universal remained open Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Milton ‘s expected hit as a major storm in Florida even as other parts of Orlando’s tourism machine shut down.
Walt Disney World water parks, mini-golf courses closed due to Helene
Read full article: Walt Disney World water parks, mini-golf courses closed due to HeleneWalt Disney World outside Orlando said Wednesday that it will be open on Thursday, except for its miniature golf courses and the Typhoon Lagoon water park.
The final portal: Details revealed on ‘Harry Potter’-themed world at Epic Universe
Read full article: The final portal: Details revealed on ‘Harry Potter’-themed world at Epic UniverseIn the Muggle world, July 31, 2024, is the day fans got official details of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, coming to Universal Orlando Resort’s fourth theme park.
‘Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’ at Magic Kingdom Park set to open Summer 2024
Read full article: ‘Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’ at Magic Kingdom Park set to open Summer 2024With Mardi Gras season now underway, the Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort has announced the opening season of "Tiana's Bayou Adventure."
Disney wants trade secrets kept confidential in lawsuit with DeSantis appointees
Read full article: Disney wants trade secrets kept confidential in lawsuit with DeSantis appointeesDisney wants to keep confidential any proprietary information or trade secrets that comes out of its state court fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees over who controls the governing district at Walt Disney World.
Florida theme parks, airports monitor Hurricane Idalia
Read full article: Florida theme parks, airports monitor Hurricane IdaliaIf you have plans to visit Central Florida's theme parks this week, there may be some changes in the air as Hurricane Idalia strengthens and makes its way to Florida's gulf coast.
Disney brings back dining plans, updates park pass reservations for 2024
Read full article: Disney brings back dining plans, updates park pass reservations for 2024The Walt Disney World Resort is bringing back guest favorite pre-pandemic Disney Dining Plans and updating Disney Park Pass reservations for 2024.
‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’ makes changes for new year; bring back complimentary resort parking
Read full article: ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’ makes changes for new year; bring back complimentary resort parkingWith a new year, comes new changes to guest experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Official Disneyland Instagram account hacked, filled with offensive posts
Read full article: Official Disneyland Instagram account hacked, filled with offensive postsA self-proclaimed “super hacker” got ahold of the official Disneyland Instagram account early Thursday morning and posted numerous offensive messages.
South Florida man stopped at Disney with 9mm Glock handgun, extra ammunition
Read full article: South Florida man stopped at Disney with 9mm Glock handgun, extra ammunitionAn armed man was stopped while trying to enter Disney Springs at Walt Disney World, according to Orange County Sheriff's deputies.
Father of teen killed on Florida ride fears death forgotten
Read full article: Father of teen killed on Florida ride fears death forgottenThe father of a Missouri teenager killed after falling from a Central Florida amusement park ride said Monday he fears his son’s death will be forgotten with tragic consequences for future ride patrons.
Disney delaying Florida campus but not because of tensions
Read full article: Disney delaying Florida campus but not because of tensionsThe Walt Disney Co. is delaying by more than three years the opening of a campus in Florida to which 2,000 workers were being relocated from Southern California to work in digital technology, finance and product development.
‘It’s save the galaxy time:’ A first look at Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Read full article: ‘It’s save the galaxy time:’ A first look at Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic RewindWalt Disney World is preparing to open its highly anticipated new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Disney government in dark about effect of law dissolving it
Read full article: Disney government in dark about effect of law dissolving itAt the first meeting of Walt Disney World’s private government since Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a measure to dissolve it next year, officials said Wednesday they were still confused about what the new legislation meant, even as some ripple effects were starting to be felt.
Disney World: Face masks optional for all areas of resort
Read full article: Disney World: Face masks optional for all areas of resortWalt Disney World has lifted the last of its mask requirements, meaning face coverings will be optional for visitors at all locations on the central Florida Disney property.
4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney World
Read full article: 4 springtime activities we love at Walt Disney WorldThe resort is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary celebration, and now is the perfect time to celebrate the season and upcoming Easter holiday. If you plan on visiting, we have uncovered a number of fun activities for families to experience while out exploring the theme parks and nearby resort hotels.
Nice to meet you, again: Disney brings back non-distanced character meet-and-greets
Read full article: Nice to meet you, again: Disney brings back non-distanced character meet-and-greetsIt’s perhaps one of the last things that guests at Walt Disney World have been waiting to see return: an up-close moment, picture or autograph with Mickey Mouse and other popular characters.
EPCOT: New photo shows ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ queue
Read full article: EPCOT: New photo shows ‘Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind’ queueWalt Disney World released a new photo earlier this week that shows a piece of the queue for the all-new attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.
Dollywood closes free-fall ride after Florida death
Read full article: Dollywood closes free-fall ride after Florida deathDollywood amusement park in Tennessee says it has temporarily closed a ride developed by the same maker of a free-fall ride from which a teen dropped to his death at a Florida attraction.
Walt Disney World resorts that won’t break the bank
Read full article: Walt Disney World resorts that won’t break the bankWith 18 hotels and 23,000 hotel rooms, families swarm to Florida to enjoy the heat and take in the magic of Disney. Looking to spend more money in the parks and less on a hotel? Let us show you the...
Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser takes its first voyage in March
Read full article: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser takes its first voyage in MarchDie-hard Star Wars fans will have the chance to craft their own story, when Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser launches to a galaxy far, far away at the Walt Disney World Resort on Mar. 1.
Holiday highlights: Walt Disney World announces entertainment offerings
Read full article: Holiday highlights: Walt Disney World announces entertainment offeringsAs Walt Disney World continues to celebrate the World’s Most Magical Celebration for its 50th anniversary, things are about to get even more festive for the holiday season.
Disney shares details about all-new nighttime spectacular ‘Disney Enchantment’
Read full article: Disney shares details about all-new nighttime spectacular ‘Disney Enchantment’Walt Disney World shared more details Friday about the all-new nighttime show coming to Magic Kingdom for the 50th anniversary celebration.
Disney now requiring all salaried, non-union hourly employees to be vaccinated
Read full article: Disney now requiring all salaried, non-union hourly employees to be vaccinatedThe Walt Disney Company announced Friday that they are now requiring all of their salaried and non-union hourly employees working at sites in the U.S. to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Fireworks return to Disney parks in latest lifting of rules
Read full article: Fireworks return to Disney parks in latest lifting of rulesDisney plans to restart fireworks shows at its parks in Florida and California in the latest move by the company to ease up on pandemic restrictions implemented last year.
Soon vaccinated visitors can remove masks at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’
Read full article: Soon vaccinated visitors can remove masks at ‘The Most Magical Place on Earth’It will soon be a lot easier to see smiles again at Walt Disney World in Florida. Starting Tuesday, face masks will be optional for theme park visitors who are vaccinated.
The birth of Velocicoaster: A look back at Universal’s new species of coaster
Read full article: The birth of Velocicoaster: A look back at Universal’s new species of coasterResearch and development of the coaster has also been years in the making, but overall construction took a little more than two years.
Disney CEO says attendance caps at parks being raised
Read full article: Disney CEO says attendance caps at parks being raisedDuring an earnings call on Thursday, Disney CEO Bob Chapek hinted that there could be a change to the mandatory mask requirement at Disney parks in the near future after the CDC said people could stop wearing masks outdoors in crowds and in most indoor settings.
Man arrested after refusing temp check on $15K Disney trip
Read full article: Man arrested after refusing temp check on $15K Disney tripA Louisiana man who said he spent $15,000 on a Disney World vacation learned to his misfortune that the “the most magical place on Earth” has very real rules to maintain public health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Family of boy killed by alligator at Disney World urges organ donation
Read full article: Family of boy killed by alligator at Disney World urges organ donationThis Oct. 2, 2015 photo provided by the Lane Thomas Foundation shows Lane Thomas Graves, in Omaha, Neb. (Lane Thomas Foundation via AP)OMAHA, Neb. Matt and Melissa Graves created the Lane Thomas Foundation after their son was killed by an alligator in 2016. Gillock said organ donation helped ease the pain of losing her 3-year-old daughter to brain cancer in 2015 because she knew her daughter’s organs helped five people. “The Lane Thomas Foundation is amazing to help these families that are going through organ donation to not worry about financials.
‘It’s showtime’ Beetlejuice will headline Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando
Read full article: ‘It’s showtime’ Beetlejuice will headline Halloween Horror Nights in OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights will be back this year and the “ghost with the most” will get his very own haunted house. A “Beetlejuice” themed haunted house will be part of the 30-year anniversary celebration of the fright nights. There’s no word if Lydia or the rest of the Deetz family will be there, but there may be a chance that if you say “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!” the popular ghost may make an appearance. The fright nights begin on September 3 and will run through October 31.
World’s first Peppa Pig theme park coming to Florida
Read full article: World’s first Peppa Pig theme park coming to FloridaWINTER HAVEN, Fla. – If you’re the parent of a child under the age of 7, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the words “Peppa Pig” once (or dozens of times) during the quarantine. The good news is that in 2022, you’ll be able to take your Peppa Pig-loving kid to an entire theme park dedicated to the British piglet and brand. In 2022, the world’s first Peppa Pig theme park is coming to Legoland Florida Resort. Families will also be able to meet Peppa and her friends at the theme park during their stay. Annual passes to Peppa Pig Theme Park will be available as standalone memberships or inclusive passes that will also grant admission to LEGOLAND Theme Park, LEGOLAND Water Park, and other regional Merlin Entertainments attractions.
Blue Man Group ending its 14-year run at Universal Orlando
Read full article: Blue Man Group ending its 14-year run at Universal OrlandoORLANDO, Fla. – Blue Man Group is officially ending its 14-year run at Universal Orlando. The group announced its departure Monday on Twitter, adding that they planned to reopen safely at some point in Las Vegas, New York, Chicago and Boston. The trio of bald, blue-painted men hadn’t performed in Orlando since last March when Universal Orlando and other Florida theme parks shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. Blue Man Group had performed more than 6,000 shows in a 1,000-seat theater at Universal CityWalk, an entertainment and retail district located right next to Universal Orlando’s theme parks. Universal Orlando didn’t say what the space would be used for next.
Disney updates Jungle Cruise after insensitivity criticism
Read full article: Disney updates Jungle Cruise after insensitivity criticismORLANDO, Fla. – Jungle Cruise is one of the original Disney parks’ rides and it’s getting a 21st century remodel. That comes following criticism of the ride for its depiction of animatronic indigenous people as savages or headhunters. It’s the latest update to a legacy theme park ride that has been criticized in years past as being racist. Disney said in a blog post Monday that the ride will be updated by Disney “imagineers” at the Disneyland park in California and the Magic Kingdom park in Orlando with a new storyline. It said the changes will “reflect and value the diversity of the world.”
Despite COVID-19, Florida’s first snow park still opening
Read full article: Despite COVID-19, Florida’s first snow park still openingDADE CITY, Fla. – Florida will soon have a winter wonderland of its own, complete with snow, come this November. Tickets are on sale to the Snowcat Ridge Alpine Snow Park, according to WPLG sister station, WKMG-TV. The new park is set to open to the public on Friday, Nov. 20 and has instituted a COVID-19 safety plan. Officials said the park will feature magical music and a light show on the slopes nightly, which can be seen from the Holiday Market at the park’s Alpine Village. According to the company’s website, The Alpine Village will have a variety of food vendors offering hot and cold beverages, beer, wine and food.
What’s that delicious juice concoction Walt Disney World serves?
Read full article: What’s that delicious juice concoction Walt Disney World serves?Stitch juice, jungle juice, POG juice -- the names go on and on. Rumor has it, there is a popcorn stand in Animal Kingdom called Mahindi that even serves up a Jungle Juice Slushy. Combine 21 ounces passion fruit juice, 21 ounces guava juice and 14 ounces orange juice (pulp-free). If following a recipe isn’t your forte, Welch’s Guava Pineapple juice is the closest thing to POG juice in a carton. Whether you make it, buy it, or order it, be sure to have yourself a glass of POG juice the next time you sit down for breakfast.
Universal Studios cancels this year’s Halloween Horror Nights due to pandemic
Read full article: Universal Studios cancels this year’s Halloween Horror Nights due to pandemicORLANDO, Fla. – Universal Studios announced Friday that it has canceled this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Park executives said they made the “difficult decision” so they can continue focusing exclusively on enhancing health and safety procedures during regular park hours. pic.twitter.com/72uyzTWDXE — Halloween Horror Nights (@HorrorNightsORL) July 24, 2020Universal Studios Hollywood remains closed at this time, while the Orlando theme park reopened last month. “We know this decision will disappoint our fans and guests,” a statement from Universal Studios read. But we look forward to creating an amazing event in 2021.”The announcement of the cancellation of Halloween Horror Nights comes as Florida reported Friday that it has surpassed 400,000 COVID-19 cases with 135 new deaths.
What could Disney crowds look like when the park reopens? We take a guess at the numbers
Read full article: What could Disney crowds look like when the park reopens? We take a guess at the numbersORLANDO, Fla. – Walt Disney World is set to once again open its gates to the Magic Kingdom following a lengthy closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. But with most families staying inside and not traveling, how crowded will the theme parks really be when they reopen? Park Capacity Capacity at 25% Magic Kingdom 57,000 people 14,250 people Epcot 34,093 people 8,523 people Hollywood Studios 30,843 people 7,710 people Animal Kingdom 37,671 people 9,417 peopleA park at 25% capacity would mean very minimal wait times. As we can all imagine, visiting a Disney theme park when it reopens will be a new experience for all -- no matter how many times you’ve visited. The Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom parks will open first July 11, with Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios reopening July 15.
In case you missed it: Disney’s Splash Mountain to be re-themed to ‘Princess and the Frog’
Read full article: In case you missed it: Disney’s Splash Mountain to be re-themed to ‘Princess and the Frog’It’s transformation central at Disney Parks in the U.S., as Disney officially announced that it has big plans for Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. MORE: Petition calls for Disney Parks to change theme of Splash MountainIf you haven’t heard of the film, you’re not alone. If you’re unfamiliar with Splash Mountain, here’s a little background. Splash Mountain follows happy-go-lucky Br’er Rabbit as he looks for his “laughing place.” All the while, Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox are in hot pursuit of Br’er Rabbit. “Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories,” the “Keep Splash Mountain” petition said.
Disney fans get creative, make homemade magic during coronavirus pandemic
Read full article: Disney fans get creative, make homemade magic during coronavirus pandemicThis meant that families were unable to experience the magic or thrill of the Disney theme parks, however, that didn’t stop families and friends from making the best of a bad situation. Since the closures, Disney fans from around the globe have been posting videos of their DIY Disney attractions. From nighttime fireworks to swashbuckling pirates, it's clear that when Disney fans are bored, something good is sure to come out of it. Once Upon a TimeWho needs to go back to the parks when you can have this at home? Pirates of the CaribbeanWhen will they ever learn that the dog is never going to give them the key?
Watch Walt Disney World cast members create magic from their homes during COVID-19 closure
Read full article: Watch Walt Disney World cast members create magic from their homes during COVID-19 closureDisney cast members have officially been away from their jobs for about two months now -- and some are taking their skills and talents to social media to give those bored at home a taste of the Disney magic everyone has been missing. Walt Disney World furloughed its approximately 43,000 workers in April after the theme park closed in mid-March because of the coronavirus pandemic. Only about 200 workers remain on the job performing “essential duties" during the closure, officials said. For the cast members not working, the only way they have been able to “make magic” is from inside their own homes. If you’re missing your favorite attractions, you might want to check out how these Disney fans created their favorite rides at home.
You can fly: Get a bird’s eye view into a deserted Walt Disney World
Read full article: You can fly: Get a bird’s eye view into a deserted Walt Disney WorldBut one Central Florida pilot was given the opportunity to fly over the happiest place on earth and give us the view we’ve been waiting on. Disney parks have a temporary flight restriction that limits pilots from flying within 3,000 feet of any of the parks. But with Disney parks in the U.S. closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, some pilots have been granted permission by local air traffic control to fly over the deserted theme parks. “I hope this will bring some joy to everyone currently in quarantine and missing the beloved parks.”Seeing an empty Disney World has become a common sight to most of us during quarantine. [MORE: Helicopter pilot shares breathtaking view of Disneyland during coronavirus closure]Walt Disney World has been closed since March 15 after rising concerns about spreading COVID-19.
Dreaming of a theme park Christmas? This advice will help you plan your whole trip
Read full article: Dreaming of a theme park Christmas? This advice will help you plan your whole tripEat Christmas cookies until you feel like you’re going to burst, see a special Christmas parade roll down Main Street U.S.A. -- and did we mention there will be tons of cookies? Visit Disney’s website for more info. Insider tip: Want to catch the Christmas parade but avoid paying for a special ticket? Some resorts also will have special holiday presentations, such as a walk-through gingerbread house at Disney’s Grand Floridian. Other festivities include the Sea of Trees, which is a show filled with synchronized Christmas trees shimmering and twinkling set to holiday music.
Universal Orlando unveils Fall deals for Florida residents
Read full article: Universal Orlando unveils Fall deals for Florida residentsORLANDO – Florida residents can now make the most of their holiday season and beyond at Universal Orlando Resort with two special offers. You can purchase a 1-Day, Park-to-Park ticket to experience Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure - and get a second day free to use anytime now through January 31, 2020, with limited blockout dates. For only $25 more, Florida residents can add a third day at Universal's Volcano Bay water theme park. Florida residents can also save up to $75 on Florida Resident Passes when purchasing now through January 6, 2020. Florida Resident Passes begin at less than $13 per month and include a variety of 2-Park and 3-Park pass options.
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort now open
Read full article: Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort now openORLANDO, Fla. – It's almost October and Halloween is right around the corner. If you're looking for some spooky fun, you can check out Halloween Horror Nights - now open at Universal Orlando Resort. Guests will brave 10 disturbingly-real haunted houses, five blood-curling scare zones filled with 'scare actors,' stalking their every move. There's also live entertainment – including a brand-new, twisted nighttime lagoon show, 'Halloween Marathon of Mayhem,' and you can enjoy access to Universal Studios' most thrilling attractions. For more information on haunted houses, scare zones, and tickets, click here.