News

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

  • Aug- 2026 -
    26 August
    split image. on the left, a family at disney's pop century resort. on the right, a major hurricane crosses over Florida

    Disney World Weather Protocol: 5 Critical Policies For September Guests

    September is almost here, and thousands of Walt Disney World guests are preparing for vacations during one of the most active stretches of hurricane season. Most trips will go forward without a major weather problem. Still, September travelers have an extra factor to consider as tropical systems can develop and potentially affect Florida or the journey to Orlando. That's when Disney's hurricane po

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  • 26 August
    Spaceship Earth towering above guests and walkways at EPCOT in Walt Disney World Resort.

    Ahead of EPCOT Overhaul, Classic Disney Ride Suffers Shocking Animatronic Collapse

    Spaceship Earth has survived more than four decades of changes at EPCOT, but one recent moment made the classic attraction look like it could use some attention sooner rather than later. Guests riding through the Disney World icon recently encountered an animatronic experiencing a rather dramatic problem. Its body continued moving, but its head had slumped completely to the side and rested against

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  • 26 August
    close up of epic universe entrance in universal orlando resort

    After Opening in 2025, Epic Universe Is Expanding 2 of Its Biggest Worlds

    Universal Orlando Resort isn't waiting long to build upon the experience at Epic Universe. The theme park opened in May 2025 with five distinct worlds, each offering its own attractions, characters, restaurants, and atmosphere. Now, a little more than a year later, Universal has confirmed seasonal expansions for two of the park's most recognizable destinations. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and How to Trai

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  • 26 August
    Dolly Parton appearing at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with Dollywood branding visible behind her.

    Dolly Parton Died After ‘Brief Battle With Cancer,’ Dollywood Faces New Era

    Dolly Parton died Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at age 80 after what her representatives described as a “brief battle with cancer,” adding a significant new detail to the country legend’s death. PEOPLE reported that Parton’s team confirmed the cancer diagnosis but did not disclose the type. For Dollywood fans, the news immediately raises another question: what happens to the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, d

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  • 26 August
    Universal Studios Florida entrance archway covered in construction scrim displaying a new logo and Halloween Horror Nights 35 medallion.

    Universal Orlando Revives Controversial Halloween Horror Nights Offering for 2026

    Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to unleash another season of Halloween Horror Nights, but one returning option could make the event slightly less frightening for some guests. The “Deathly Afraid” necklace has returned to Universal Studios Florida for Halloween Horror Nights 2026. First introduced last year, the accessory created an unusual option at an event built around scaring

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  • 26 August
    Dolly Parton singing in Dollywood theme park

    Following Dolly Parton’s Devastating Death at 80, Disney+ Drops Unannounced Tribute Special

    Few entertainers ever reached as many corners of American culture as Dolly Parton. Country music made her famous, but her career eventually took her into television, movies, business, philanthropy, and places far beyond Nashville. Disney became part of that story, too, building a connection with Parton that stretched across several generations. Following her death at 80, that relationship has take

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  • 26 August
    Image of a "Toy Story Mania" ride vehicle featuring two seats with mounted toy guns. The background has a colorful theme park setting. The text on the left reads "Daily Jigsaw Puzzle - Toy Story Mania Ride Vehicle.

    Disney Jigsaw Puzzle: Toy Story Mania Ride Vehicle

    Get ready for rootin’ tootin’ fun on Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! 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 Puzzle Experience More Disney Springs-Themed Puzzles DisneyStyle at Disney Springs Orange Bird Wall at Disney Springs Aerophile at Disney Sprin

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  • 26 August
    The Magic Kingdom park Ferry Boat inside of Disney World.

    After 50 Years, Disney World Begins Work on Major Magic Kingdom Transportation Expansion

    Millions of Walt Disney World guests have made the familiar trip toward Magic Kingdom over the decades, and Disney is now preparing to change one part of that experience for the first time in 50 years. The company is expanding its Magic Kingdom boat fleet with a fourth vessel, marking a surprisingly rare transportation milestone at the resort. Before that new boat arrives, Disney has some work to

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  • 25 August
    Han Solo and Chewbacca inside the Millennium Falcon in 'The Force Awakens'

    ‘Star Wars’ Retcons Han Solo’s ‘Force Awakens’ Storyline

    Lucasfilm has quietly adjusted Star Wars canon in a move that reinterprets key elements of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, marking one of the most consequential continuity updates to the sequel trilogy in recent years. The Legacy of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Star Wars: The Force Awakens functioned as a soft reboot, mirroring the original trilogy while introducing a new generation of heroe

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  • 25 August
    Harry (Dominic McLaughlin), Ron (Alastair Stout), and Hermione (Arabella Stanton) in their Hogwarts robes

    ‘Harry Potter’ Reboot Loses Another Star Amid Ongoing Controversy

    The Harry Potter reboot has lost another cast member before its first episode has even aired. HBO has built its upcoming Harry Potter series around an unusually long-term plan, adapting all seven JK Rowling novels across multiple seasons while following a new group of young actors through each year at Hogwarts. That alone creates a logistical challenge. Add in intense scrutiny over casting, compar

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