News
Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.
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Aug- 2026 -28 August
No Access Allowed: Disney World Closes Multiple Attractions for Rope Drop Guests at Three Parks
If you're building your Walt Disney World touring plan around rope drop, here's some data worth knowing before you set your alarm. Rope dropping, arriving before park opening so you can head straight to a headliner the moment the gates open, remains one of the most reliable ways to knock out popular attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind or Peter Pan's Flight before wait times bal
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27 August
Underwater at EPCOT: Second Massive Storm Causes Severe Flooding and Ride Shutdowns at Disney World
Central Florida’s summer weather has delivered a double blow to Walt Disney World guests this week. For the second time in less than seven days, a severe thunderstorm system parked directly over the resort, forcing an immediate halt to outdoor ride operations across all four theme parks and causing dramatic localized flooding throughout EPCOT. Credit: Jamie S., Disney Fanatic As torrential rain ba
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27 August
Universal Set To Give Theme Park Its Biggest Upgrade in 25 Years
Universal may be preparing to dramatically expand one of its busiest theme parks. For years, Universal Studios Japan has added major attractions without substantially increasing the size of the Osaka park itself. Since opening in 2001, the resort has introduced Harry Potter, Minions, Nintendo, and other blockbuster properties largely by redeveloping land within its existing boundaries. That strate
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27 August
Disney World Closes Grand Floridian Resort Area, Gives No Notice to Guests
Guests staying at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa have been navigating an unannounced closure for weeks, as the hotel's Alice in Wonderland (1951)-themed splash pad remains shut down with no official word from Walt Disney World Resort. An Unannounced Closure at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa The Alice in Wonderland-inspired aquatic play area abruptly closed on August 12. Unlike severa
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27 August
Disney World Confirms Overhaul of Original Contemporary Resort Structure
The refurbishment reshaping Disney's Contemporary Resort has reached a new milestone, with a crane now positioned at the hotel's iconic A-Frame building as work continues on one of Walt Disney World Resort‘s most recognizable structures. Tracing the Refurbishment's Progress The project got underway in September 2024, beginning with Bay Lake Tower before eventually expanding to the main Conte
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27 August
Dolly Parton’s Legacy of Love Eclipses the Vile and Tone-Deaf Tributes Following Her Death
The world lost an irreplaceable icon on August 25, 2026, when Dolly Parton passed away at the age of 80 following a brief battle with cancer. Millions of fans and fellow artists immediately flooded social media to mourn the Queen of Country and celebrate her unparalleled musical talent and boundless heart. Yet, alongside the genuine grief, a wave of self-serving, tone-deaf tributes emerged. From f
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27 August
Disney World Changes Magic Kingdom Entrance, Effective August 26
New construction progress spotted on August 26 shows Walt Disney World Resort steadily reshaping how guests will arrive at Magic Kingdom Park by ferryboat, as work on a new dock continues to take shape at the Transportation & Ticket Center. The Project Behind the New Dock Walt Disney World Resort filed the initial construction permit back in February to build an expanded ferryboat dock outside Mag
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27 August
Walt Disney World Could Crack Down on “Dangerous Behavior” at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
One Disneyland safety change could eventually make its way across the country to Walt Disney World. Disney recently introduced a series of warnings at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure after an incident raised concerns about guests leaving ride vehicles. The company didn’t settle for adding one extra reminder near the loading platform, either. Disneyland placed 12 new signs around the attraction, repeatedly
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27 August
Disney Parks Models Debunk Two Massive Haunted Mansion Expansion Rumors
Ever since Disney officially confirmed the massive “Beyond Big Thunder” expansion at Magic Kingdom—bringing Villains Land and Piston Peak National Park to life—speculation has been running at an all-time high. Among the most popular theories were those surrounding the iconic Haunted Mansion and how the classic Liberty Square attraction would fit alongside its new, sinister neighbors. C
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27 August
Disney World Confirms October Booking Dates for New Resort Opening in 2027
The doors to Disney’s Lakeshore Lodge won’t open until July 2027, but the first guests could have their reservations secured before the end of this year. Walt Disney World has revealed a staggered booking schedule for its newest resort, with Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders getting an early advantage. DVC Members will be first, followed by Passholders and then the general public
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