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 -13 August
Disney Confirms ‘Star Wars’ Franchise Reset in 2027, Removes Skywalkers
Lucasfilm is preparing to execute its most consequential strategic pivot since Disney's 2012 acquisition of the studio, positioning Star Wars: Starfighter as proof that the franchise's commercial and creative viability no longer depends on the Skywalker lineage that has anchored nearly every prior installment. The Shawn Levy-directed feature, starring Ryan Gosling, was formally unveiled at Star Wa
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13 August
How Disney and ESPN Officially Shed the “Woke” Label to Make Peace With Trump
For years, The Walt Disney Company and conservative America have been locked in a bitter culture war. From high-profile political squabbles to constant accusations of pushing a liberal agenda, Disney has been a favorite target for right-leaning critics. However, the days of corporate political posturing appear to be over. Credit: Gage Skidmore, Flickr In a shocking and highly visible pivot, Disney
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13 August
Days Before Disney Reveals Theme Park Changes, Magic Kingdom Resort Area Gets New Name
There's a lot happening at Magic Kingdom right now, and most of it is visible from the ground. Cinderella Castle has already been repainted as part of the park's shift into a new icon era. Frontierland is mid-transformation, with the Rivers of America gone and the Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park set to take its place. And work continues, mostly out of view for now, on the long-teased Villain
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12 August
Confirmed: Universal Passholder Previews Begin August 19 for Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift still doesn't have an official opening date, but Universal Studios Hollywood is moving forward with a major milestone. Annual Passholders will soon get dedicated preview opportunities for the new roller coaster. Universal has scheduled Pass Member previews for August 19, 20, 21, and 23. Passholders must make a reservation, and spots will be distributed on a first-co
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12 August
Accident With Injuries Reported at Disney World on August 12
On Wednesday afternoon, law enforcement responded to an accident with injuries near Disney's Wilderness Lodge, a Deluxe Resort hotel at Walt Disney World. Here's everything we know about the incident. Accident at Disney World on August 12 At 2:17 p.m. on August 12, the Orange County Sheriff's Office received a call about a vehicle crash with injuries on a roadway near Disney's Wilderness Lodge, a
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12 August
Disney World Expands Reservation-Free Entry for Annual Passholders With 3 New Dates
Planning a last-minute Walt Disney World trip just became easier for Annual Passholders on three August dates. Disney has added August 13, August 17, and August 26 to its list of “Good to Go” days for Annual Passholders. On those dates, eligible Passholders can skip one of the normal steps involved with visiting the parks: making a theme park reservation. It's a small calendar update that could ma
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12 August
Universal Orlando Guest Caught Fishing Inside Islands of Adventure in Bizarre Viral Photo
People visit Universal Orlando Resort to ride roller coasters, meet characters, eat themed food, and step inside some of their favorite fictional worlds. Apparently, at least one person had another activity in mind. A bizarre photo from more than a decade ago has resurfaced online, showing a guest inside Islands of Adventure holding a fishing rod with an actual fish dangling from the line. Yes, so
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12 August
China Area Blocked off at EPCOT, Disney World Stays Silent
A dining area that reopened at the Lotus Blossom Café in EPCOT's China World Showcase Pavilion just days ago is already closed again, and Walt Disney World Resort hasn't said a word about why. Back Behind Barriers WDWNT reported on August 12 that rolling planters had been installed to block off the right-side dining room of the Lotus Blossom Café, just three days after the space reopened from its
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12 August
Disney World Confirms Major Fantasmic! Change, Starting August 23
A Disney's Hollywood Studios tradition is getting a notable scheduling change later this month. Starting August 23, Disney World will move Fantasmic! to an earlier start time, changing how guests may need to plan the final hours of their park day. The adjustment is only 30 minutes on paper. But when you're trying to fit another attraction, dinner, or shopping into a packed Hollywood Studios visit,
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12 August
Disney Is Not Changing the Pirates of the Caribbean Auction Scene, No Matter What You Say
Eight years of fan debate haven't moved The Walt Disney Company an inch. A limited-edition doll announced for D23 Expo this week makes the Mouse's position on the Pirates of the Caribbean auction scene impossible to misread. A Recap of the Change That Divided Disney Fans In 2017 at Disneyland Paris and 2018 at Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland Park, Walt Disney Imagineers overhauled what had becom
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