News
Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.
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Feb- 2026 -25 February
Disney Park Just Closed a 43-Year-Old Attraction Indefinitely
Impressions de France at EPCOT closed on February 22, 2026, for refurbishment, and there is no announced reopening date. This means one of the original attractions from 1982 is now closed, with only an A-frame sign saying it's “being refurbished for your future enjoyment.” A Disney cast member is outside directing guests who expect to see the film. The 18-minute movie showcasing France
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25 February
Hugh Jackman Officially Replaced as Wolverine, Release Date Confirmed
Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine has been a fixture of superhero cinema for over two decades, but the iconic role is officially moving to a new actor. Jackman first appeared as Logan in 2000’s X-Men and later starred in multiple solo films, including X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), The Wolverine (2013), and the critically acclaimed Logan (2017). Most recently, he returned in 2024’s Deadpool & Wolverine,
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24 February
EPCOT Mexico Area Remains Closed After February 10 Shutdown
Scaffolding continues to expand around the Mexico World Showcase Pavilion pyramid at EPCOT, two weeks after one entrance closed for refurbishment, with no timeline announced for completion. WDWNT reported on February 24 that construction supports now extend significantly farther to the left from the blocked doorway toward backstage areas near the World Discovery and World Celebration neighborhoods
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24 February
After Over a Decade, Tribute to Walt Disney Removed From Disneyland
The “Storytellers” statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse vanished behind construction walls at Disney California Adventure Park this week with no explanation or timeline for its return. WDWNT reported on February 24 that beige barriers now surround the bronze sculpture depicting Walt's 1923 arrival in California. The outlet posted an image on Facebook showing the completely enclosed s
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24 February
After Years of “Drinking Around the World,” EPCOT Makes Family-Friendly Statement
If you ask ten Walt Disney World guests what EPCOT is most famous for today, at least half of them will probably mention margaritas before they mention innovation. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—but it does say something about how the park’s public image has evolved over the years. “Drinking around the world” has become a full-blown tradition for many visitors. Coordinated shirts. Scorecards.
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24 February
Dolly Parton Confirms End of an Era for Dollywood Theme Park
Dollywood is converting its coal-burning steam train to oil after 64 years, ending the iconic locomotive's use of coal that predates Dolly Parton's ownership of the Tennessee theme park. The park announced on February 24 that the Dollywood Express is switching to a different fuel type to reduce maintenance needs, lower pollution, and improve operations during unfavorable weather. WGN News reporter
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24 February
After Almost 7 Years, Disney Ends Service at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Green Milk is gone from Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland Resort after serving as a signature Batuu beverage since the land opened in 2019. The Milk Stand menu now lists only Blue and Pink Milk. WDWNT posted this image on Tuesday showing the updated signage in Batuu West. Disney cast members reportedly confirmed the removal is permanent, though the Disneyland Resort app still incorrectly show
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24 February
EPCOT Absorbs Growing Attendance Across Walt Disney World
Spring at Disney World usually means one thing: EPCOT shines. The Flower & Garden Festival rolls in, the park fills with colorful topiaries, and guests happily spend hours grazing around World Showcase. But this year, EPCOT’s crowd surge isn’t just seasonal. It’s strategic. Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios are both navigating major shifts. Dinoland is closed at Animal Kingdom, and Planet Watch
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24 February
A Lost Grand Floridian Dining Tradition Returns After 6 Years of Absence
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is reviving afternoon tea on March 19, 2026, after a nearly six-year hiatus since March 2020 due to COVID-19. The Garden View Lounge will feature an Alice in Wonderland theme, and reservations opened on February 19, quickly filling up as fans have eagerly awaited this return. The new experience costs $79 per adult plus tax and gratuity, with a $49 option for k
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24 February
Longstanding Disney Park Fixture Closes After 25 Years
Disney's Animal Kingdom is not the same park it was a year ago, and it is going to look even more different a year from now. DinoLand U.S.A. is gone. A new land called Tropical Americas is under construction. Encanto and Indiana Jones attractions are in development. The park is in the middle of a genuine, ground-level reinvention, and changes are landing faster than most guests are tracking. The l
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