Theme Parks

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Disney: New Country Bear Jamboree coming, DinoLand going away

A revamping of Magic Kingdom’s Country Bear Jamboree and the replacement of DinoLand USA at Animal Kingdom were among the Walt Disney World announcements Saturday morning.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2023/09/09/disney-d23-new-country-bear-jamboree-dinoland-closing-moana-test-track/?

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🏰 Disney dos and don'ts

Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photo: Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

If a trip to Disney World in Florida is in your future, Axios editor Ashley May has a few tips and tricks to help your vacation dreams come true. I'm a periodic parkgoer but not a Disney diehard. I traveled with a group of nine, ages 4 to 80. We visited a park each day, Ashley writes. 🧳 Best item packed: Brita Filtered Water Bottles from Walmart. 🧒 Best kid experiences: Cinderella's Royal Table (lots of princess meet-and-greets) and Savi's Workshop's lightsaber experience (yes, we lugged a lightsaber back through TSA). 📝 Best plans: We secured meal reservations and experiences 60 days in advance — the minute options opened. Go deeper: What to hit — and skip — at each park.

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First look: Disney’s new drone show takes flight

Walt Disney World has cranked up 800 drones for a new colorful and creative production. “Disney Dreams That Soar” is now a nightly event at Disney Springs.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/05/25/disney-world-new-drone-show-springs-dreams-that-soar/?

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‘A huge kiss and make up:’ Disney World, Florida leaders plot major expansion

The Walt Disney Co. is gearing up to spend billions of dollars in Central Florida as part of a new development plan, ramping up speculation that the company could be eyeing a major Disney World expansion.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/05/31/disney-world-expansion/?

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Attraction starring Disney’s first Black princess replaces ride based on film many viewed as racist

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — A new attraction starring the first Black Disney princess is opening at the company’s U.S. theme park resorts, and some Disney followers see it as a fitting replacement to a former ride based on a movie that contained racist tropes.

https://apnews.com/article/disney-tiana-ride-splash-mountain-film-racism-e22e9169433365fcb77a51da507a2739?

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With development plan approved, Disney drops federal lawsuit against Florida

The Walt Disney Co. is ending its last major court fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies now that a new development agreement is in place, closing what may be the final chapter in a two-year political drama.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/06/13/with-development-plan-approved-disney-drops-federal-lawsuit-against-florida/?

Disney shutting down Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade this month

Walt Disney World plans to shut down an attraction that’s been in operation as long as the Magic Kingdom has been open.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/06/13/disney-world-closing-frontierland-shootin-arcade-dvc-lounge-rifles-1971/?

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With deal done, Disney withdraws lawsuit, ending last conflict with DeSantis and his appointees

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Disney asked a federal appellate court to dismiss its lawsuit against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday, a day after his appointees approved a deal with the company on how Walt Disney World will be developed over the next two decades, ending the last piece of conflict between the two sides.

https://apnews.com/article/florida-california-disney-desantis-theme-parks-d999eafa1fec277cc679ea3f328a114c?

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⚜️1 fun thing: Disney's newest ride

Photo: Jeff Weiner/Axios Axios Local editor Jeff Weiner got a sneak peek of Disney World's latest attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, based on the 2009 film "The Princess and the Frog." The New Orleans-themed log flume ride replaces Splash Mountain, though the bones of the Magic Kingdom mainstay remain. 🌊 Jeff writes: As my raft wound through the Louisiana bayou, the jazzy serenade of Animatronic musical critters almost lulled me into forgetting where this ride was headed. But soon, there it was: That familiar 50-foot drop — and the splash. The vibe: Imagineers conferred with New Orleans-based artists and the family of famed NOLA chef Leah Chase, who inspired the movie's Tiana character. It shows. The ride is a celebration of brassy music and Creole and Cajun culture. Princess Tiana and Louis the alligator at Disney World. Photo: Disney The ride takes you on a quest through the bayou, led by Tiana and fan-favorite alligator trumpeter Louis, in search of musicians for a Mardi Gras party. Among the recruits: a harmonica-playing turtle, an opossum bassist and a rabbit using a license plate as a washboard. The ride opens June 28.

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Disney World ticket deals set for Florida residents this spring, summer

Walt Disney World is offering discounted theme-park admission to Floridians under the heading of Florida Resident Discover Disney Tickets. One variation of the deal ends up costing $59 per day and the eligible dates fall after the Easter/spring break season and into summertime.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/03/13/disney-world-discount-ticket-deals-florida-residents-spring-summer-2024/?

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Disney World: Lightning Lane changes to allow advance purchases

Walt Disney World is making changes to its Disney Genie+ planning service and Lightning Lane access that go into effect in late July, the company announced Tuesday. Theme park guests will soon be able to secure reservations in advance of their visits and make plans for multiple days.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/06/25/disney-world-genie-plus-lightning-lane-advance-reservations/?

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Disney timeline: Making Splash Mountain, morphing into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

A classic Walt Disney World ride begins a new chapter Friday when the attraction formerly known as Splash Mountain officially opens to the public as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom theme park. It remains a log-flume ride, but it has been revamped inside and out, transforming a tan, rocky atmosphere into a green, lush swampy setting.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/06/27/disney-world-splash-mountain-history-tianas-bayou-adventure-opens/?

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National Weather Service Issues Stay-in Alert for Disney World Guests, Mass Casualties Reported

It’s the dead of summer, so the weather isn’t too favorable for those looking to spend some time in the sun, including Walt Disney World Resort guests. Numerous casualties have been reported directly related to scorching temperatures and the heat index.

https://insidethemagic.net/2024/07/disney-world-heat-index-warning-emd1/

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Disney World: Rounding up the Epcot transformation

With the opening of CommuniCore Hall, Walt Disney World declared the transformation of Epcot to be a done deal. The process, years in the making, has revamped much of the “front” half of the theme park, rearranged its so-called neighborhoods and made construction wall stocks soar.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/08/disney-world-epcot-transformation-cosmic-rewind-ratatouille-encanto-test-track/?

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Disney Quietly Relocates Operations from Florida, Putting DeSantis Alliance in Jeopardy

Walt Disney World Resort and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently allied the history books. However, despite this new partnership, Disney is seeking operations outside Florida.

https://insidethemagic.net/2024/07/disney-world-operations-florida-emd1/

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Disney Cruise Line partners with Japan company to add ship to fleet

Disney Cruise Line announced Tuesday it had partnered with Japan’s Oriental Land Co., which has ordered and will operate a new ship to be based in Japan for year-round service.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/09/disney-cruise-line-to-build-new-ship-headed-for-japan/?

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At Walt Disney World, the Country Bears are back

The new version of Walt Disney World’s Country Bear Jamboree features new songs and costumes while maintaining the spirit of the original attraction, which opened with Magic Kingdom in 1971.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/10/disney-world-country-bear-jamboree-reopen-magic-kingdom/?

ps:I for one am glad to see they are coming back!! Always loved to see them!!

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Deadly Emission Cloud Heading to Florida, Millions Prepare To Abstain From Disney World Parks as Mass Advisory Now in Effect

A deadly emission cloud is heading towards Florida and will be here for a while, alerting the entire state and prompting a National advisory that will take effect through July 14. Walt Disney World Resort guests are advised to take caution and abstain from the theme park.

https://insidethemagic.net/2024/07/disney-world-dust-storm-air-quality-emd1/

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Injury report: Disney, Universal rides prompt dizziness, pains

Theme park visitors reported dizziness, lost consciousness and chest pain on attractions between April and June, according to a state document released Thursday.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/18/disney-world-universal-orlando-state-injury-report-2024/?

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Comcast: Universal theme-park revenue down in 2nd quarter

Revenue at Universal’s theme parks was down nearly 11% in the second quarter,  Comcast revealed during an earnings call with analysts Tuesday.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/23/comcast-earnings-universal-orlando-attendance-down-epic-pandemic/?

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Epic: Universal Orlando details its next ‘Harry Potter’ land

The new Harry Potter land at Epic Universe theme park will feature a Ministry of Magic-based ride, a full-scale theater experience and characters roaming the streets of 1920s Place Cachee, Universal Orlando announced Wednesday.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/07/31/epic-universe-orlando-harry-potter-land-ministry-of-magic-ride-fantastic-beasts/?

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Disney Cruise Line reveals Marvel takeover plus itineraries for Disney Destiny

Disney Cruise Line let loose more details for new ship Disney Destiny coming to Florida in 2025 including a spate of Marvel-themed takeovers on the ship while also revealing an overview of its itineraries.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/08/01/disney-cruise-line-reveals-marvel-takeover-plus-itineraries-for-disney-destiny/?

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Florida Theme Park Ceases All Operations Effective Today

One of the most popular theme parks in Florida has confirmed sorrowful news, announcing that it will cease operations effective today.

https://insidethemagic.net/2024/08/florida-theme-park-cease-operations-ea1/

Tropical Storm Debby: Florida county-by-county impacts | Timeline, biggest weather threats

Tropical Storm Debby formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday and is expected to make landfall over the Big Bend region of Florida, according to the latest projections from the National Hurricane Center.

https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/tropical-depression-4-county-by-county-impacts-central-florida

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Disney Cruise Line’s new Canaveral-bound ship Disney Treasure floated out at shipyard

While Disney Cruise Line dropped oodles of news this week about its new 2025 ship Disney Destiny, it has another new ship set to debut this year that hit a milestone at its shipyard on Saturday.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/08/03/disney-cruise-lines-new-canaveral-bound-ship-disney-treasure-floated-out-at-shipyard/?

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Disney, SeaWorld post small revenue gains, quarterly reports show

Walt Disney Co. and United Parks & Resorts, parent of SeaWorld Orlando, on Wednesday announced small gains in revenue for their theme parks during their most recent fiscal quarters.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/08/07/disney-seaworld-quarterly-earnings-reports-penguin-trek-epic-universe/?

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Sky’s the limit: Orlando theme parks explore drones as entertainment

Fireworks shows have colorful new neighbors in the skies above Central Florida’s attractions. Hundreds of drones, scurrying around for entertainment purposes, are increasingly common.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/08/09/drone-shows-disney-springs-universal-orlando-legoland-florida-gaylord-palms/?

Disney World expansion plan includes villains land

It’s official: A villains land is being built at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney Co. confirmed Saturday night.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/08/11/disney-world-villains-land-magic-kingdom-d23-monsters-inc-parade/?