Disney News

Category: News

  • BREAKING: Circle of Life Attraction To Close Permanently at Epcot

    BREAKING: Circle of Life Attraction To Close Permanently at Epcot

    The Circle of Life, at the Land Pavilion in Epcot’s Future World, is closing it doors permanently. This circle is complete for this long running attraction which has been educating guests about the environment for more than two decades.

    On Thursday, it was announced that the attraction, which opened on January 21, 1995 will make its last run on February 3, 2018.

    circle-of-life

    Shortly after the closure, the space will be used to host the student workshops and other events which are currently housed in the trailer between Germany and Italy. The trailer’s closure could possibly make way for the new rumored Brazil Pavillion in World Showcase.

    The Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable is a 20-minute widescreen film about conservation, with color commentary from the stars of Walt Disney’s The Lion King. Guests laugh and learn as Simba teaches Timon and Pumbaa an important lesson about the environment.

    The Circle of Life features a magical mix of animation and live action. Presented in stunning 70mm footage shot in over 30 countries, this panoramic film provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce youngsters to the concept of eco kindness.

    If you haven’t had a chance to see it in person check out the video below.

  • Weather Advisory for Walt Disney World Marathon Runners

    Weather Advisory for Walt Disney World Marathon Runners

    Due to colder than normal temperatures, a runDisney weather advisory has issued to all of the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend runners.

    The Central Florida area is anticipated to experience colder weather than usual during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, January 3-7. Those participating in race events should plan accordingly for their race. Here are some important tips from runDisney to consider:

    Bundle Up – Dress for the expected cold-weather conditions. Two tops and running tights are recommended. In addition, moisture-wicking socks (not cotton) and a hat are highly encouraged. Any extra layers you discard at the start of the race or along the course will be picked up and donated to charity.

    Protect Your Skin – Even though it is cold, be sure to apply sunscreen and lip balm to help protect from the sun and wind.

    Dry Off – When you are finished with your race, change out of your wet clothes as soon as you can or get to your car or bus.

    Hydrate – Even though it may be cold, don’t forget to drink water and Powerade to stay hydrated on the course. Drink room temperature water if you are cold.

    Know the Danger Signs – This week’s cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Symptoms include numbness, tingling or aching, and bluish or pale skin. If you experience these, get to the nearest medical tent on the course or ask any runDisney volunteer to notify the medical team.

    As a reminder, all medical stations will have the appropriate flag color displayed according to existing conditions. For more information, please reference the Event Safety page in the Digital Event Guide.

    runDisney posted the advisory on their twitter feed.

    Any adjustments to the race are at the discretion of the Event Management team and are for everyone’s safety. Good luck out there. Stay safe, stay warm and have a magical run!

  • Disney Water Parks Closed Due to Freezing Temperature

    Disney Water Parks Closed Due to Freezing Temperature

    The cold never bothered us anyway! Okay so it actually does because temperatures are low enough that Disney has Closed Typhoon Lagoon.

    Cold weather is sweeping through Florida and bringing a chance of snow early Wednesday ahead of freezing rain north of Gainesville.

    Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon has been closed since Monday and also briefly closed last month due to cold weather.

    Blizzard Beach is already closed until January 6th for renovations, but the cold snap surely would have surely closed anyway.

    All other Walt Disney World Theme Parks remain are open for business.

    Typhoon Lagoon will be closed through Thursday, but that could change. Disney officials said they would evaluate later in the week if a longer closure would be needed.

  • Disney World Resort Pools Close Due to Cold Weather

    Disney World Resort Pools Close Due to Cold Weather

    Baby it’s cold outside. So cold in fact that Walt Disney World Resorts have closed their pools today due to the un-florida like temperatures.

    A massive cold snap that is covering much of the country and even Florida is feeling the effects. The lows on Wednesday to Friday will be around freezing (32F) and with the wind chill it will feel like it’s in the upper 20’s later in the week. Not until Sunday will there be a high into the 60s. Orlando hasn’t reached temperatures since January 2014. So it’s possible the they may close remain closed for a few days.

    If you need to warm up after a nice freezing day at the parks, the Hot Tubs will still be open at resorts that have them from 10am to 8pm.

  • Star Wars: The Last Jedi Forces Its Way To $1 Billion Worldwide

    Star Wars: The Last Jedi Forces Its Way To $1 Billion Worldwide

    In only three weeks Disney-Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” has blasted past $1 billion in worldwide box office sales to close out 2017. While many critics have given the latest installment rave reviews, there have been mixed reviews from general audiences, but if the box office sales are any indication then this film is no scruffy-looking nerf herder.

    “The Last Jedi” pulled in $120.4 million globally on the New Year’s Eve weekend with $52.4 million at 4,232 domestic venues and an additional $68 million internationally. All this before the significant boost it will receive when it opens in its final market on Jan. 5 in China.

    On the final day of 2017, “The Last Jedi” has surpassed Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” as the top grossing film in North America for 2017. According to studio estimates on Sunday, “The Last Jedi” brings its domestic total $517.1 million after it’s haul this weekend, while Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” totals $504 million for the year.

    “The Last Jedi” is now the eighth highest-grossing domestic movie of all time with $517.1 million and 24th on the worldwide chart with $1.04 billion. The eighth film in the “Star Wars” saga premiered in North America on December 14 to the second-biggest opening ever and is second only to its predecessor, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” which debuted in 2015.

    “The Last Jedi” is already close to surpassing “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” which brought in $1.06 billion in revenue last year. The last numbered Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, stands at $2.07 billion, ranking it third place all time after its December 2015 premiere.

    While the film may crack the top ten globally, odds are it wont come close to “Force Awakens” numbers.  But as Han Solo would say, “Never tell me the odds!”

    Directed by Rian Johnson, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” picks up where “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” left off. It stars returning cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Andy Serkis. New stars include Kelly Marie Tran, Laura Dern, and Benicio del Toro.

  • UPDATE: Magic Kingdom Now Re-Open to All Guests

    UPDATE: Magic Kingdom Now Re-Open to All Guests

    After closing to some guests earlier today, Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World is once again open to all guests.

    In their most recent Twitter update, Disney said, “As of 5:30pm Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park are available to all Guests.”

    Magic Kingdom was temporarily closed at 11:30am today.  It was a Phase B closure which means no admission of guests with one day tickets, and no re-entering or crossing over from another park unless they are staying on property, have an annual pass and a few other exceptions.

    Guests will again start pouring in to ring in the new year so don’t be surprised if there is another closure before the night is through. Or in this case before the year is through.

  • Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity with New Years Eve Crowds

    Magic Kingdom Closed After Reaching Capacity with New Years Eve Crowds

    New Years Eve is one of the busiest days of the year at Magic Kingdom. And as expected the park has temporarily closed after reaching capacity as crowds descend on the most magical place on earth to ring in the 2018.

    With the announcement coming thirty minutes before noon, Magic Kingdom is currently at a Phase B capacity closure.

    Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom all remained open to additional guests and those are always a great place to ring in the new year also, but they can reach capacity as well so you might want to get there quickly before they fill up too.

    “We are experiencing a very busy day at Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is not accepting new Guests at this time,” Disney said on its Twitter feed.

    UPDATE: Magic Kingdom has now reopened to all Guests.

    For details on closures, check out our complete list and breakdown of Walt Disney World’s Capacity Closing Procedures.

     

  • 2017 Walt Disney World Year In Review

    2017 Walt Disney World Year In Review

    It’s been an exciting year to be a Disney fan with so many changes happening at Walt Disney World and we would like to take a moment to look back on some of the biggest debuts, events and stories of 2017. With the New Year just days away now is the perfect time for a Disney Year in Review looking back at some of the most amazing things Disney has brought us during 2017.

    Here is a look at our Disney Year in Review highlighting 15 of the biggest developments from 2017 at Walt Disney World.

    Epcot Festival of Arts
    Festival of Arts
    The Festival of the Arts made its debut January 13th at Epcot and featured pieces from Disney historical artist Mary Blair and Herb Ryman art of Epcot, to current Disney artists Joe Kaminski and Costa Alavezos, guests weren’t only surrounded by incredible visions, they were able to watch the creative process happen live. New art was created and revealed each weekend, so guests could look forward to a new experience every time they visited.

    Disney Skyliner Gondola System
    Disney Gondolas Skyliner
    Permits were filed for a proposed gondola system, February 15, at Walt Disney World.  The now confirmed Skyliner will transport guests between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Boardwalk Inn, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort and Disney’s new Riviera Resort

    Rivers of Light Nighttime Spectacular
    rivers of light
    “Rivers of Light” opened February 17th at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. It combines live performance, floating set pieces, a soaring musical score, fountains and more in a celebration of animals and nature. The story magically unfolds on the broad natural stage of the Discovery River, conveying the uplifting spirit of an ancient and timeless lantern ceremony and filled with symbolism, storytelling and plenty of heart.

    Miss Adventure Falls
    misadventure falls
    Opened March 2nd at Typhoon Lagoon. The new family raft attraction now open at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a fast-paced waterslide takes you on a journey where you are sure to spot some of Captain Mary Oceaneer’s prized finds, have a blast and of course, get wet!

    Galactic Nights
    Star Wars: A Galactic Night
    Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted the first Star Wars: Galactic Nights hard ticket event . A new Hollywood-inspired special event debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on April 14. Guests came dressed as their favorite character and to celebrate forty years of Star Wars milestones.

    Goodbye “Wishes”, hello “Happily Ever After”
    happily ever after
    “Wishes” makes its final run concluding its 13 year run at Magic Kingdom the evening prior only just, and a brand new nighttime spectacular titled “Happily Ever After” made its debut on Friday, May 12th to a packed crowd. This breathtaking show not only features awe-inspiring fireworks, but also has more lights, lasers and projections than any show at the park before it. “Happily Ever After” takes guests on the Disney journeys that they know and love, facing all of the challenges and adversity with their favorite characters on their path toward their own happy ending.

    Pandora – The World of Avatar
    Pandora - The World of Avatar The Na’vi Rive
    On May 27th the highly anticipated land, Pandora – The World of Avatar, officially opened to guests at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The largest addition in the history of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Pandora – The World of Avatar transports guests to the moon of Pandora, where they can explore floating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests. They can also enjoy unforgettable experiences, like sailing down a mystical river to encounter a Na’vi shaman at Na’vi River Journey, or experiencing what it’s like to soar over Pandora on the back of a mountain banshee at Avatar Flight of Passage.

    We Wants The RedHead
    Pirates Red Head
    On June 29th Disney Parks, confirmed that the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” ride will be swapping out a scene in which a pirate buys his wife at auction. The scene, appears in the “Pirates” rides at Disney World, Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, and depicts a group of bound women on an auction block, with a banner reading “Auction, take a wench for a bride” hanging above their heads.

    DisneyQuest
    disney quest
    After 19 years of operation at Disney Springs DisneyQuest closed its doors for the last time on July 2nd. The interactive indoor theme park first opened on June 19,1998. DisneyQuest was designed as a way for guests to experience the Disney Parks without having to be at the actual theme park destination. Only two locations were built, despite plans to expand to other cities in the U.S.: Chicago and the then-called Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World.

    Minnie Van Service

    Disney launched a new transportation pilot called Minnie Van service in July. This new transportation service is now available for guests staying at select Disney Resorts. Through a collaboration with the US’ fastest growing rideshare service, Lyft, guests at these resorts can arrange their own private Disney vehicle right from the Lyft app on their smartphone. With Minnie Van service, Disney cast members will then whisk you away to wherever you want to be at Walt Disney World Resort.

    Hurricane Irma
    irma-8am-10sep17-radar
    September 10th the storm strikes shutting down the parks for two days. The storm only caused cosmetic damage to the parks. However, Irma was part of a 1-2-3 punch of Cat 5 hurricanes which affected Disney Cruise itineraries for months.

    Epcot’s 35th Anniversary
    Epcot 35th Anniversary Oct. 1, 2017
    Epcot marked it’s 35th anniversary, this October 1st, with an epic in-park celebration. Thousands of Disney fans gathered at Epcot to celebrate the park’s 35th anniversary by watching a special ceremony that was highlighted with Disney characters, fun performances by the park’s most beloved musical acts and more. During the ceremony, George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort, spoke, honoring the park’s past and sharing excitement for its future.

    Dogs Welcome at Select Resorts
    Resort Dogs
    Walt Disney World began allowing dogs at select resort hotels as of October 15. For the first time ever, the Walt Disney World Resort will welcome guests – and their dogs – to select resort properties as part of this new dog-friendly pilot program.

    Galactic Nights
    Star Wars Galactic Nights Projections
    Following a sold-out event last April Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosted another Star Wars: Galactic Nights on December 16. The gala evening was filled with out-of-this-world entertainment celebrating the entire Star Wars saga, including special guest appearances by Star Wars celebrities. Favorite film moments, special effects and, of course, the epic Star Wars cinematic score filled the park all evening long.

    Hall Of Presidents Reopens
    Hall of Presidents
    After months of speculation about the opening date, Donald Trump finally makes his presidential debut in the Hall of Presidents on December 16th. He stands front and slightly off-center on the stage next to a seated Abraham Lincoln and his animatronic figure indeed has a speaking role.

    2017 was an amazing year for Walt Disney World with so many things debuting or in the works.  While this was a year to remember we can’t wait to see what 2018 brings as there is so much more ahead in 2018 and beyond.

     

     

  • Guest Removed From Hall of Presidents Show After Chanting “Lock Him Up!”

    Guest Removed From Hall of Presidents Show After Chanting “Lock Him Up!”

    A revised Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom just reopened less than two weeks ago and as expected it has been met with mixed reactions. Wednesday, a guest identified as Jay Malsky filmed himself yelling “Lock him up” throughout the Trump’s speech at the Disney World Hall of Presidents.

    The outburst directed at Trump was caught on video Tuesday and has social media buzzing.

    In the video above a robotic representation of Donald Trump was set to give a speech on stage in front of 44 other animatronic presidential audio figures. All of the presidents are introduced before Donald Trump begins to speak. He can barely even get his name out before Malsky starts chanting “Lock him up!” repeatedly without pause. The disruption obviously frustrated the other guest trying to enjoy the attraction.

    Many guests try shushing him while others start yelling back at him. The cast member inside the attraction got on the loudspeaker to remind everyone to “please stay seated throughout the duration of the show”. The best part is when one guest can be heard yelling, “He’s not real!”

    It continues for close to a minute before Malsky is escorted out of the building.

    Malsky also tweeted his own outburst:

    Though it was rare, it should be noted that similar outbursts also occurred when President Obama headed the stage.

    Since the attraction opened Disney’s security and Orange County Sheriff’s officers have been stationed at the attraction and it looks like this would be the reason why.

    Trumps addition to the attraction has been the center of controversy since his inauguration with petitions circulating and calls for Disney boycotts. Like it or not, it’s called the Hall of Presidents and he is there to stay. People have a right to protest, but this clearly isn’t the place to do it. Regardless of your opinion on it, an attraction in the middle of the Magic Kingdom isn’t the place for politics and you could always just skip that attraction.

    The Hall of Presidents carries a legacy and passion for American history that has been part of Disney Parks for more than 50 years. It’s meant to honor more than 200 years of the American story. The epic theatrical production was envisioned by Walt Disney himself to honor the country by honoring the presidents of the United States.

  • Power Restored at Disneyland After Outage Stops Rides

    Power Restored at Disneyland After Outage Stops Rides

    The Happiest Place on Earth is powered up again. Disneyland’s power has been restored after an outage left some guests stuck on rides, according to a park spokesperson.

    The outage came during a busy holiday season at the Anaheim, California, attraction.
    About a dozen attractions were affected and guests were escorted off the rides. The outage took out power to the Toontown area, parts of Fantasyland, and the Big Thunder Mountain attraction, which is adjacent to Fantasyland.
    By 4 p.m. (PST) park officials said the power had been fully restored to all areas of the resort and the park was fully operational 30 minutes later as attractions were brought back online.