Disney News

Tag: disney world

  • Disney’s All-Star Sports to Remain Closed Indefinitely Awaiting Updates

    Disney’s All-Star Sports to Remain Closed Indefinitely Awaiting Updates

    Disney’s All-Star Music and Movies Resorts have reopened, but Disney has announced that the reopening of All-Star Sports will be postponed until further notice.

    “We’re excited to continue welcoming Guests back to our Disney Resort hotels, such as at Disney’s All-Star Resorts, where we recently reopened the Music and Movies themes,” Disney said in a statement.

    At this time, Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort will remain closed while they take the opportunity to refresh the Sports theme area. A new reopening date for rooms at All-Star Sports at a later time.

    Guests with upcoming reservations will receive communication via email and will be instructed to reach out to their Travel Professional to modify their stay, at no additional charge. This modification will have no impact to other vacation experiences that may be booked, such as Theme Park reservations or dining.

  • Disney World Hiring Hundreds at Job Fair on Monday with $1500 Signing Bonus

    Disney World Hiring Hundreds at Job Fair on Monday with $1500 Signing Bonus

    During a recent earnings call, Disney executives said visitor capacity at the parks will increase as resort staffing returns and that means more jobs are coming to Disney World.

    Walt Disney World is hosting a job fair next week to hire hundreds of people across custodial, culinary, housekeeping and food and beverage jobs, with several positions eligible for bonuses.

    Those applying to housekeeping and specific culinary jobs could be eligible for a $1,000 and $1,500 new hire bonus, respectively. The bonuses will be paid in two increments: employees will receive the first payment after working in their new roles for at least 90 days, and the remainder will be paid after 150 days, according to the company.

    The job fair on Monday, Sept. 20, at the Coronado Springs Resort is part of Disney’s efforts to hire 700 to 1,100 employees weekly by the end of the year, according to the company.

    The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the resort’s convention center. Face coverings are required to attend. Under Disney’s vaccination policy, new hires are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and must provide the company a copy of their vaccination card at least seven days before their start date.

    Disney laid off over 18,000 workers at Disney World during the pandemic and furloughed thousands more. Disney spokeswoman Andrea Finger said more than 50,000 employees have since returned to work and the resort’s workforce totals over 65,000 employees, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

  • VIDEO: New Baby White Rhino Born at Disney World

    VIDEO: New Baby White Rhino Born at Disney World

    An endangered white male rhino calf was born earlier this month at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney had shared a sneak peek of the newborn.

    Born to first-time mom Jao backstage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Mom and baby are doing great under the keepers’ watchful and joyful eyes. I am happy to report that the beautiful calf snuggled up to mom and began nursing right away.

    The video below features endearing moments as mother Kendi bonds with her playful new baby:

    “While we give Jao and her baby boy ample time to bond, it will be a little while before we know the calf’s weight.,” Disney said. Typically, white rhino calves can weigh as much as 140 pounds at birth.

    Rhinoceros also have one of the longest gestation periods of any mammal – approximately 16 to 18 months. Our animal care team’s veterinarians, scientists and animal keepers kept a close eye on Jao throughout her pregnancy, conducting regular checkups and ultrasounds to ensure a safe birth.

    Jao was paired with dad Dugan, the bull of the herd, through one of the Species Survival Plans, which are overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the responsible breeding of endangered species. This birth is a true milestone for this endangered species. And our herd continues to grow. This delivery marks the 12th rhino born at Disney, and the second rhino born in the last year. And even more hooves are on the horizon as another first-time mom, Lola, is expected to give birth this fall. 

    In the coming weeks, Jao and baby are expected to join the “crash” (a group of rhinos), in their habitat on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve where park guests can catch a glimpse of the herd while aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris.

  • Light Up Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket Comes to Disney World

    Light Up Jack Skellington Popcorn Bucket Comes to Disney World

    What’s This? What’s This? The Jack Skellington Annual Passholder Popcorn Bucket has finally arrived at Disney World just in time for the spooky season.

    Shaped like Jack Skellington from Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, the popcorn bucket sells for $20.00. It features a purple strap with the Annual Passholder logo on it and it even lights up.

    The Popcorn Bucket is exclusive to Disney Springs and will be available at the Popcorn locations in Marketplace, The Landing & West Side. Take a closer look below:

    Get yours starting today, while supplies last. Limit 2 per Passholder.

  • Disney World 50th Anniversary Happy Meals Coming to McDonald’s

    Disney World 50th Anniversary Happy Meals Coming to McDonald’s

    Happy Meals at McDonald’s are getting a magical update. To celebrate Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary, McDonald’s will release limited-edition Happy Meal toys.

    Starting Sept. 14, the fast food restaurant giant is getting in helping celebrate Walt Disney World Resort’s upcoming 50th anniversary with with custom Happy Meal toys and a chance to win a vacation to Disney’s big milestone event in Orlando.

    A few of the toys will even be dressed in sparkly “EARidescent” outfits, perfect for Disney World’s “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” an 18-month celebration running from Oct. 1, 2021 through April 1, 2023 at Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the resort’s 50th anniversary. Take a closer look at the toys below:

    The event is for a limited time, and only at participating McDonald’s nationwide, but the gifts will be big for Disney fans. The home of the Golden Arches will be dolling out never-before-seen figurines — 50 in total — each featuring different fan favorite figurines of Disney characters over the years.

  • New Disney Mobile Puzzle Game Coming This Fall

    New Disney Mobile Puzzle Game Coming This Fall

    Now you can design your very own theme park in a fun new mobile game! Join Minnie Mouse, Mickey Mouse, and other classic Disney & Pixar characters this fall in the latest Disney Parks-inspired, Match-3 mobile puzzle game, Disney Wonderful Worlds.

    Players can wipe and match colorful gameboards to win prizes and unlock Disney & Pixar attractions from around the globe to place in your park. Level up by completing fun and challenging puzzles while earning exclusive decorations and landmarks to personalize your unique park. Grant wishes for your Disney park guests in exciting missions. Watch your park come to life from morning to night with the Mid-Day Parade and Evening Fireworks Show!

    Take a closer look below:

    You still have time to pre-register since Disney Wonderful Worlds has hit its 100% pre-registration goal! All players have unlocked the Limited Rose Gold Minnie statue! It’s not too late to sign up! If you sign up before October, you will receive a variety of exciting gifts including your very own Minnie Statue! Pre-register today at www.disneywonderfulworlds.com and help us get to 150% before launch!

    Disney Wonderful Worlds is a free-to-play mobile game with in-app purchases coming soon in Fall 2021 on the App Store and Google Play.

  • Disney Reveals New Splash Mountain Reimagining Concept Art and New Details

    Disney Reveals New Splash Mountain Reimagining Concept Art and New Details

    Last year, Disney Parks announced Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida – will be completely reimagined and inspired by the fan favorite Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog,” and now they are releasing new details.

    Disney recently revealed a new piece of concept art and story details for the planned ride revamp, teasing a new journey set to unfold after the film’s final kiss scene. Along the ride, guests will follow Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose in the film) while she plots a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration with Naveen (Bruno Campos) and Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley) in tow.

    The new “The Princess and the Frog”-themed ride will conclude with “the ultimate Mardi Gras party.” “Because if Tiana is throwing a party, it is the ultimate Mardi Gras party,” said Charita Carter, a senior creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, who is leading the team on the project. Carter shared new details on the attraction in a video Disney released as you can see below:

    “Original music inspired by songs from the film will bring guests into the story,” Disney states, and riders will follow the princess as they “encounter old friends and make new ones along the way,” preparing for the city’s famous spring celebration. 

  • BREAKING: Annual Passes Returning to Disney World in September

    BREAKING: Annual Passes Returning to Disney World in September

    Disney has announced that the Annual Pass Program is returning to Disney World.

    Beginning Sept. 8, 2021, they will once again invite new Walt Disney World Annual Passholders to be a part of this beloved program!

    “We are introducing four new Annual Passes offering the flexibility and choice to meet guest needs, each designed based on Passholder feedback,” Disney said. “These passes will help our biggest fans experience all that’s to come during “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” – from new attractions and nighttime spectaculars to dazzling decorations at all four theme parks and more!”

    Here are some highlights of our new Annual Passes:

    • Hold More Park Reservations: Depending on their pass type, Passholders may now hold up to five Disney Park Pass reservations at a time. We’ll also be adding “bonus reservations” to the calendar from time to time, so Passholders can make an additional park reservation without it counting against their applicable reservation hold limit. Plus, when Passholders stay at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, they will also be eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their stay – in addition to the reservations you can hold based on your pass type!
    • Customize Your Pass: Choose different add-on options based on your preferences – from the Water Park and Sports option to Disney PhotoPass downloads. These add-on options will be available for purchase with any of our four new passes. 
    • Access a New Integrated Calendar: Planning will be easier with enhancements to our reservation system, including a new integrated calendar that lets Passholders quickly see blockout dates for each pass type, view available days and make, modify or cancel a reservation all in one place.
    • Enjoy Passholder Perks: Passes will continue to offer benefits you know and love including the Park Hopper option, standard theme park parking and discounts on merchandise and dining. And, there will be a few special surprises throughout the 50th anniversary celebration!
  • ’50 Years of Walt Disney World’ Special to Air Oct. 1 on ABC

    ’50 Years of Walt Disney World’ Special to Air Oct. 1 on ABC

    In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort, ABC News and Disney Parks have teamed up to present a spectacular television event, “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World.”

    This special, hosted by Disney Legend Whoopi Goldberg, will take you on a journey spanning half a century and beyond at Walt Disney World in Florida.

    The show will also feature spectacular visuals and musical performances from Christina Aguilera and Halle Bailey in front of the legendary Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park, accompanied by the renowned Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout the special, you’ll see exclusive interviews with iconic actors, actresses and athletes, Walt Disney World cast members, Disney Imagineers and executives past and present who have all played their unique part in sprinkling pixie dust over “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” Check out what’s in store and be sure to mark your calendars!

    This EARidescent special event will take viewers through Walt Disney World’s humble beginnings in the swamplands of Florida and its evolution into a cultural phenomenon. Through an expansive look into the past, present and future of the vacation destination, footage never before seen on television will give fans a glimpse into the journey to bring Walt’s vision to life and a look at plans for the future. The special will also spotlight some of Walt Disney World’s most memorable pop-culture moments, from the many sitcoms that filmed episodes in the theme parks to the conception of the ubiquitous “I’m going to Disney World!” campaign. Plus, viewers will get a heartwarming look at how Disney and Make-A-Wish foundation have worked together for over 40 years to make kids’ Disney dreams come true.  

    Celebrities including Anthony Anderson, John Stamos, Marsai Martin, Gary Sinise, Melissa Joan Hart and Candace Cameron Bure; NFL athletes Tom Brady, Phil Simms and Doug Williams, and creative forces Kevin Feige, Pete Docter and James Cameron; Walt Disney World Imagineers including Bob Weis, Mark Kohl and Ann Morrow Johnson; and Disney executives past and present including Bob Chapek, Bob Iger and Michael Eisner, will all share their favorite memories of Walt Disney World. 

    “The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World” airs Friday, Oct. 1 8-10 p.m. ET on ABC. It can also be viewed the next day on demand and on Hulu, and later in the month on Disney+.  Share in the comments what you are most excited to see!

  • Major Changes Coming to Disney World’s Disability Access Service

    Major Changes Coming to Disney World’s Disability Access Service

    Disney World is making some enhancements to thier Disability Access Service (DAS) program, including new options to enroll in the program pre-arrival and for DAS participants to select attractions directly in the My Disney Expience app.

    The options below will be available in addition to the existing, in-person DAS program:

    Pre-Arrival Registration and Planning via Live Video Chat
    This fall, they’re introducing a new option to register virtually with a Cast Member via live video chat as early as 30 days in advance of a park visit.

    During your chat with a Cast Member, you’ll also have the opportunity to select up to 2 experiences per day (subject to availability) using our new DAS Advance planning option. Please keep in mind that DAS Advance selections must be booked at least 2 days prior to the day you plan to redeem them, and you will not be able to make selections on the day of your visit.

    If the experience you want is available, you’ll be given a one-hour return window to redeem during the day of your visit. Any selections you make will appear as plans on the My Disney Experience app or on the website.

    Disney Parks have an unwavering commitment to providing a welcoming, inclusive environment and accessible experiences for Guests. As part of this commitment, Disability Access Service (DAS) is a program offered at Walt Disney World theme parks to assist Guests who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to disability.