Disney News

Tag: disney world

  • Baby Mandrill Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    Baby Mandrill Born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

    The family at Disney Animal Kingdom just got a little bit bigger. A baby Mandrill was born on Saturday, April 10, to first-time mom Hazel and dad Linus.

    Cast members named the infant Ivy to fit in with the rest of her colorful family – Olive, Scarlett, Snow and Hazel.

    “We’re so excited to share this news and report that mom and newborn are healthy and bonding. Be on the lookout, because both have already been spotted by guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris,” Disney said in a post. Take a closer look at the cutest new addition to the herd:

    You might see the shy baby clinging to Hazel’s stomach, a natural bonding behavior. But this will change soon as the baby begins to walk within weeks of being born, spending most of the time walking underneath mom. The baby joins the troop of seven other mandrills that call Disney’s Animal Kingdom home.

    Here are some interesting facts about one of the most colorful mammals found in nature. Mandrills typically have a six-month gestation period. In the mandrill social structure, females take on the majority of parental responsibilities, including grooming, nursing, and carrying the young. When you spot the mandrills, you may see them grooming one another, a behavior that promotes social bonding.

    The new arrival weighed in between 1-2 pounds, mandrills are actually the largest species of monkey. They’re also a vulnerable species found in African rainforests along the equator where their habitat is disappearing because of deforestation and poaching.

  • First Look: New Lighting Fixtures Being Added to Spaceship Earth Epcot

    First Look: New Lighting Fixtures Being Added to Spaceship Earth Epcot

    A few weeks ago Disney shared the exciting plans for new Spaceship Earth lighting debuting during the 50th anniversary celebration Walt Disney World. Now we have a first look at one of the new light fixtures being added to the iconic attraction at Epcot.

    As part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration,” Spaceship Earth will transform into magnificent Beacons of Magic at night, coming to life with an EARidescent glow.

    The attraction will have new lights that will shine across the reflective panels, connecting to one another and resembling stars in a nighttime sky. Take a look at the installation below:

    “Our team at Imagineering has been hard at work innovating the design and technology for this poetic and inspirational lighting concept,” Imagineer Zach Riddley said in an online post. “We’ve had to get quite ingenious in how we go about installing these new fixtures and all the high-tech systems so that they seamlessly integrate with the iconic profile of Spaceship Earth.”

    Riddley said after this test crews will begin installing the new lighting package from the top of the 180-foot sphere and working their way down.

    The permanent new lighting will debut Oct. 1, and continue beyond “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” as a defining feature of the park.

  • Disney World to Allow Guests to Remove Face Masks for Photos

    Disney World to Allow Guests to Remove Face Masks for Photos

    A big change has come to the face mask policy at Disney World as guests will now be allowed to remove their masks when taking an outdoor photo.

    Beginning April 8, guests will be allowed to remove their masks temporarily while taking outdoor photos; however, you’ll need to remain stationary and be sure to keep an “appropriate” physical distance while snapping shots. 

    “You may temporarily remove your face covering while actively eating, drinking or taking an outdoor photo, but you must be stationary and maintain appropriate physical distancing during this time,” according to Disney’s website.

    Previously guests would have to keep their masks on while taking photos at the parks. All guests ages 2 and up are still required to wear face masks during their visit.

    Since reopening last summer with new health and safety measures, Disney has periodically updated its face mask policy. Earlier this year, Disney updated the policy to say that even visitors who have received the COVID-19 vaccine would still be required to wear a face mask. The change comes as vaccine rollout continues in the United States.

  • Disney World Guest Embarrasses Fiancee with Fake Proposals All Over the Park

    Disney World Guest Embarrasses Fiancee with Fake Proposals All Over the Park

    Disney World is one of the most popular places for people to propose to their significant other and while some find it magical others may not like large crowds of onlookers and one guest took embarrassing their financee to the next level by prank proposing to her all of the park.

    Kelly Lavery posted a video of the rejected proposals to TikTok where it has been viewed over 6 million times.

    Take a look at the video below:

    @kelly_kirb

    we were already engaged so he knew he could get away with this. We go back in June, wish me luck. ##fyp ##foryoupage ##husbandwifecomedy

    ♬ Send Me on My Way – Vibe Street

    A woman shared footage to her TikTok page that shows her fiance pretending to propose to her multiple times during a recent trip to Disney World in Florida. Each time, as the man gets down on one knee, his embarrassed fiancé walks away, leaving the crowds completely confused.

    Lavery wrote in the video’s description, “We were already engaged so he knew he could get away with this. We go back in June, wish me luck.”

    In a follow-up video, Lavery explained that her fiancé had previously proposed (for real) at the couple’s house. According to her, the only witness to the event was their dog, which was fine since Lavery apparently doesn’t like making a scene.

  • ‘Rollin’ with Your Peeps Easter Donut’ Available at Disney World this Weekend

    ‘Rollin’ with Your Peeps Easter Donut’ Available at Disney World this Weekend

    Bring on the Easter Weekend treats! Now through Sunday, you can snag a limited edition ‘Rollin’ with Your Peeps Easter Donut’ at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew in Disney Springs at Disney World.

    The classic glazed donut is dipped in vanilla frosting and topped with pastel candy decor, green buttercream “Easter Grass,” malted milk ball “Easter Eggs,” and a Peep for good measure.

    Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew took to social media to show off the yummy treat as you can see in the post below:

    Hippity to the hoppity! 🟣🟡 Easter week is upon us & we're celebrating by offering up our limited edition 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣' 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝…

    Posted by Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew on Monday, March 29, 2021

    Team it up with a Strawberry Sour Patch Frozen Lemonade and you’ve got a pairing even the Easter Bunny will be jealous of!

  • Disney Launches New Contactless Park Entry Option

    Disney Launches New Contactless Park Entry Option

    As of Tuesday, guests with Apple devices can now use the Disney MagicMobile service that basically turns their smartphones into a MagicBand, allowing contactless entry into the parks. 

    Available now on iPhone and Apple Watch and coming soon to other smart devices, Disney MagicMobile service is a fun, easy-to-use new way for guests to experience The Most Magical Place on Earth. The service is offered in addition to other options such as the MagicBand, the colorful, all-in-one bracelet, which will continue to be available and introduced in even more colors, designs and limited-edition fan favorites into the future.

    Below are a few helpful tips to get started with Disney MagicMobile service:

    • Create A Customized Digital Pass: Guests can create a Disney MagicMobile pass through the My Disney Experience app and add it to the Wallet app on iPhone or the digital wallet on other smart devices. You can customize your pass by choosing from several Disney-themed designs that animate upon use (including special designs just for Annual Passholders and DVC Members)! For added ease, you may also store multiple passes on a single device, a great option for families.
    • Easily Enter the Parks and More: Simply hold your iPhone, Apple Watch, or other smart device near an access point when entering the parks or using other available features, just like you do with a MagicBand. With Express Mode on iPhone and Apple Watch, guests do not even need to wake or unlock their Apple device, or open up the app, to use their Disney MagicMobile pass. As a reminder, valid park admission and a park reservation are required for park entry and must be linked to your account.
    • Discover Other App Enhancements: We’ve also added a new feature in the My Disney Experience app that allows you to automatically link your Disney PhotoPass attraction photos and videos to your profile through your smartphone. Just confirm your settings in advance of riding at participating attractions. The My Disney Experience app also enables Disney Resort hotel guests to unlock their room door using our current digital room key feature.

    You may use Disney MagicMobile service, a MagicBand or a card interchangeably for added flexibility. Disney Resort hotel guests can purchase MagicBands at a special, pre-arrival price. Guests can also pick up a Key to the World card at their convenience at the front desk.

  • New Mickey Mouse Disney Parks Balloon Light-Up Ears Headband

    New Mickey Mouse Disney Parks Balloon Light-Up Ears Headband

    You’ll definitely feel light headed when wearing this Disney Parks headband featuring pink and purple Mickey Mouse balloons inside the translucent ears.

    Decorated with ”Walt Disney World” and ”Disneyworld Resort” logos and Mickey faces, the light-up balloons are complemented by a light green velvet headband.

    You can find this Mickey Mouse Ballon Ears Headband at Fantasy Faire in the Magic Kingdom or online at shopDisney.com for $32.86.

    Magic in the details

    Created especially for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort

    • Translucent ears feature pink and purple Mickey Mouse balloons inside
    • Pink balloon has ”Walt Disney World” logo
    • Purple balloon has ”Disneyland Resort” logo
    • Balloons light up
    • On/Off button
    • Velvet covering on headband
    • Headband features teeth for secure hold
    • One size fits most adults
  • First-Ever Disney World Resort License Plate Design Revealed

    First-Ever Disney World Resort License Plate Design Revealed

    Disney on Tuesday unveiled the design of the new specialty license plate that Florida registered car-owners can pre-order.

    Inspired by the color scheme of Cinderella Castle, this magical plate is currently available for presale and will also help make even more dreams true, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Make-A-Wish of Central and Northern Florida and their work granting wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions.

    Interested drivers can purchase a presale voucher now for $25 plus applicable state administration fees exclusively through their local County Tax Collector’s Office, license plate agencies (DMVs) across the State of Florida, or online through the Orange County Tax Collector’s Office at https://www.octaxcol.com/specialty-license-plate-vouchers/.

    Disney has a longstanding relationship with Make-A-Wish, dating back to 1980, and since then, more than 140,000 Disney-inspired wishes have been granted, including thousands taking place at Walt Disney World Resort. This license plate is a unique opportunity to commemorate 50 years of Central Florida magic.

    For more information about the Walt Disney World Resort specialty license plate, visit www.flhsmv.gov, and learn more about The World’s Most Magical Celebration at www.DisneyWorld.com/50.

  • Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    Disney World Now Testing Facial Recognition Technology at Park Entrance

    New facial recognition technology is now being tested at Magic Kingdom theme park in Disney World.

    “At Walt Disney World Resort, we’re always looking for innovative and convenient ways to improve our Guests’ experience – especially as we navigate the impact of COVID-19,” Disney said on its website. “With the future in mind and the shift in focus to more touchless experiences, we’re conducting a limited 30-day test using facial recognition technology.”

    The new technology captures an image of a guest’s face and converts it into a unique number, which is then associated with the form of admission being used for park entry. Disney said on its website that the test is completely optional, and limited, as guests with reservations make their way through the turnstiles at the park. Disney put out a series of steps on its website alerting guests of the test and what to expect. Take a look below:

    Step 1: Enter the Facial Recognition Technology Test Lane

    When you’re ready to enter the park, simply enter the lane designated for the test program.

    Step 2: Remove Accessories, But Keep Your Face Covering in Place

    Please take off any hats, visors or sunglasses before you approach the facial recognition test zone. Your face covering must remain on at all times.

    Step 3: Face the Camera

    Once in the facial recognition test zone, stand facing the camera and then position your valid park admission or MagicBand close to the scanner to activate the technology. The technology will capture an image, which will be converted into a unique number that will be associated with your valid ticket media.

    Disney is encouraging guests that use the technology, and return back to the theme park, to use it again upon re-entry.

    Officials said the process helps them see how the technology is progressing and works during the guest experience.

    Officials said during the testing they have implemented technical, administrative, and physical security measures that are designed to protect guest information from unauthorized access, disclosure, use and modification. Officials stressed that the security, integrity, and confidentiality of guest information is extremely important. Disney said all information and photos taken during testing will be discarded after 30 days when the test is over.

    Children under the age of 18 can participate but only with parental consent. The testing is happening now through April 23.

  • Rapper Calls Out Disney For Kicking Out His Autistic Cousin Over Mask Policy

    Rapper Calls Out Disney For Kicking Out His Autistic Cousin Over Mask Policy

    Rapper Joey Bada$$ says he’ll never to return to Disney World after the theme park turned away his autistic cousin because he wasn’t wearing a mask.

    On Saturday, the Pro Era rapper took to Instagram to share his tense interaction with theme park employees, after his relative was allegedly denied entry due to COVID-19 safety policies.

    Joey claimed that his autistic cousin wasn’t allowed into Disney World because he refused to wear a mask. He explained that the child doesn’t like wearing a protective face-covering because it makes him feel as though he is suffocating. Take a look at the video below:

    “… The child also has no idea why it is even a requirement. Not to mention that, kids under 2, doesn’t have to wear a mask,” Joey captioned the video, which showed three employees. “These guys have completely ruined my family’s trip.”

    Disney World currently requires face masks for everyone aged two and older. The only carveouts are for when someone is “actively eating or drinking,” and there is nothing in the policy about people with disabilities.