News

Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.

  • Dec- 2024 -
    2 December
    Disney World Blizzard Beach Water Park with a "Closed" sign on one of the attractions.

    Park Shutdown Sparks Restrictions as Entry is Denied at Disney Property

    Blizzard Beach, one of Walt Disney World’s two water parks, has closed its gates from Monday, December 2, through Wednesday, December 4, 2024, due to unseasonably chilly weather. As a cold front grips Central Florida, temperatures have fallen well below the typical range for water park operations. Daytime highs are only forecast to reach 65°F on Monday, with overnight lows plummeting to 43°F. Simi

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  • 2 December
    A puzzle-themed graphic featuring text that reads "5 Daily Jigsaw Puzzle" with a Mickey Mouse icon. Below are banners from Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom, adorned with illustrations and text, promoting circus acts and characters like Goofy and Wonder Pup.

    Daily Jigsaw Puzzle: Storybook Circus Banners at Magic Kingdom

    Storybook Circus, a circus-themed area within Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, is a place where memories are made! Walk down nostalgia lane with this puzzle featuring the colorful Storybook Circus banners. Quick Tip: Do you want to make the puzzle easier or more challenging? Select the grid option to adjust the number of pieces before pressing “OK” to start the puzzle. Jigsaw PuzzlePuzzle created by J

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  • 2 December
    The cast of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer'

    ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Classic Series Set to Stream on Non-Disney Service in 2025

    Buffy the Vampire Slayer isn’t just a show—it’s a phenomenon that forever altered the teen television landscape. Since its debut in 1997, the series has captivated audiences with its dynamic mix of supernatural drama, humor, and action. More than two decades later, its appeal hasn’t waned, and characters like Willow Rosenberg (Alyson Hannigan), Spike (James Marsters), and Giles (Anthony Head) cont

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  • 1 December
    Dolly Parton in front of the Dollywood sign

    Thanksgiving Crowds Overwhelm Dollywood, Leaving Travelers Stuck Outside Gates

    Dollywood, country music icon Dolly Parton‘s beloved Smoky Mountains theme park, became the epicenter of frustration this Thanksgiving weekend as overwhelming crowds left many guests stranded outside the gates. What should have been a magical holiday outing turned into a logistical nightmare for some, with long waits, traffic gridlock, and closed access to the Tennessee theme park. Dollywood

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  • 1 December

    Disney Character Hurt by Guest, Response Caught on Video

    Last week, a beloved Disney character was injured during a guest interaction at EPCOT. The incident's aftermath was caught on video and quickly went viral on TikTok. The video, posted by TikTok user Stacey Mavilia (@theladymavs), shows Figment, the purple dragon, lying on the ground at his Walt Disney World Resort meet-and-greet location, surrounded by Disney cast members attempting to assist him.

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  • 1 December
    James Van Der Beek

    ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star Forced to Sell Priceless Memorabilia to Pay For Cancer Treatments

    For many millennials, the nostalgic days of the late 1990s and early 2000s are peppered with memories of iconic TV shows. Dawson’s Creek stands out as one of the most beloved, with James Van Der Beek’s portrayal of the introspective and dream-chasing Dawson Leery becoming a defining role for the generation. Yet, recent news about the cherished actor has brought both heartbreak and inspiration to f

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  • 1 December
    Johnny Depp Jack Sparrow

    Tim Burton Rules Out Reboot with Johnny Depp, Releases Firm Public Message

    Tim Burton may have brought Beetlejuice back to life with his recent hit sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, but the filmmaker is adamant about leaving some of his other beloved classics untouched. Speaking at the Marrakech International Film Festival, Burton shared his thoughts on revisiting past projects and ruled out sequels to some of his most iconic films, including Edward Scissorhands and The N

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  • 1 December
    Marissa Bode as Nessarose and Ethan Slater as Boq in Wicked movie

    Disabled ‘Wicked’ Actress Targeted by “Gross” Online Trolls

    The highly anticipated Broadway-to-film adaptation of Wicked has taken the world by storm since its release on November 22. The movie, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has already become the holiday season’s biggest hit. But while the film has earned praise for its star-studded cast and stunning visuals, not everything surrounding the production has been magical. For

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  • 1 December
    Magic Kingdom

    Magic Kingdom Shuts Down Early in January, Affects 2025 Disney Guests

    Magic Kingdom will close early on January 30, 2025, with the gates closing to the public at 4:30 PM. While these early closures are rare, they serve an important purpose: this time, the early closing makes way for the annual Cast Member Service Celebration, a private event that honors Disney employees who have dedicated a decade or more to creating magical experiences for millions of guests. This

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  • 1 December
    Guests enjoy the pools and snow-themed attractions at Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

    Universal Orlando Closes Down Water Park for Extended Time

    Universal Orlando Resort is one of the premier vacation destinations in Florida, offering three unique parks filled with incredible attractions. Universal Studios Florida is a haven for movie lovers, with rides and shows that bring cinematic worlds to life. Guests can battle alongside Autobots on Transformers: The Ride 3D or laugh out loud with the Minions at Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Islands o

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