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 -5 August
A New Look for a 54-Year-Old Icon: Disney Reimagines the Haunted Mansion
The Haunted Mansion, which has been part of Magic Kingdom Park since opening day in 1971, has been quietly undergoing an exterior refurbishment for several months. This week, Walt Disney World Resort guests are finally seeing what all that scaffolding, scrim, and construction activity was for. The Reveal That Guests Have Been Waiting For On Tuesday, WDWNT reported that the final visible signs of c
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5 August
As ‘The Mandalorian’ and Live-Action ‘Moana’ Flop, Disney Addresses Future IP Plans
Disney is standing by two of its biggest franchises, even after both fell well short of the box-office numbers the company had hoped for. While many studios might respond by reevaluating their strategy, Disney is making it clear that theatrical revenue isn't the only measure of success. During its latest earnings presentation, the company openly discussed the performance of its newest Star Wars mo
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5 August
Disney and Lucasfilm Reveal First Look at New ‘Star Wars: Episode IV’
Star Wars is heading somewhere it has never gone before. Disney and Lucasfilm have unveiled the first official look at Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, a brand-new Welsh-language version of George Lucas' original Star Wars film (1977), which will introduce the iconic adventure to audiences in a completely new way. The project was announced by Disney, Lucasfilm, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales,
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5 August
Disney World Passholders Get 3 Exclusive Perks at Hollywood Studios This Month
Being a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder comes with benefits that go beyond unlimited visits. Throughout the year, Disney rolls out exclusive merchandise, food, and special experiences designed just for Passholders, giving frequent visitors something new to enjoy during their trips. That tradition continues on August 11, when three new limited-time offerings arrive at Disney's Hollywood Studios
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5 August
Lucasfilm Replaces Rey Skywalker’s Solo ‘Star Wars’ Film With Brand-New Project
Rey Skywalker's return was supposed to introduce a new era for Star Wars, with Daisy Ridley once again stepping into the role of the Jedi who would rebuild the Order 15 after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019). However, while that film remains stuck in development, another female-led story has already arrived — and its premise sounds surprisingly similar to Rey's long-awaited so
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5 August
‘Star Wars’ Officially Replaces Iconic Phrase After Nearly 50 Years
Star Wars is entering a new era as Lucasfilm prepares to bring the galaxy far, far away to audiences in a way it never has before. Ahead of the franchise's 50th anniversary in 2027, Disney, Lucasfilm, Welsh broadcaster S4C, and Creative Wales have announced the first-ever Welsh-language version of George Lucas' original Star Wars film (1977). Titled Star Wars: Gobaith Newydd, the project will see
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5 August
Disney World Reacts to Incoming Ghost Town, Drops Lightning Lane Premier Pass Cost in Late August
Walt Disney World is preparing to lower the cost of its Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Premier Pass to $299 on two dates in late August, marking one of the more notable pricing shifts for the paid line-skipping product so far this year. The adjustment comes as Disney's parks and experiences division continues to report record profitability despite softer attendance figures, a trend company executive
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5 August
Epic Universe Slapped With Lawsuit After a Guest Suffered Injuries During a Recent Visit
Theme-park safety conversations tend to begin with the biggest machinery: restraint systems, launch tracks, towering drops, and the sophisticated ride vehicles carrying guests through Orlando’s newest attractions. A new lawsuit involving Universal Epic Universe focuses on something far less spectacular—and much easier to encounter. Juan Bautista Tenjo filed a negligence complaint against Universal
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4 August
Disney Confirms Mickey Mouse Will Leave Florida Theme Park, Effective August 9
A Disney's Hollywood Studios staple is going dark next week. While Walt Disney World Resort has promised it will come back before the year is out, no specific date has been attached to that commitment. Mickey Shorts Theater Closing August 9 Walt Disney World Resort updated the official webpage for Vacation Fun — An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie on Tuesday, confirming that the Mickey
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4 August
Disney Takes Another Step Forward in Battle Against Line Jumpers
Disneyland Resort has a new weapon in its ongoing fight against the line-cutting and reseller chaos that has turned weekly releases of new Disney Trading Pins into recurring madness. The Weekly Drop That's Been Causing Problems Every Tuesday, Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and the Disney Store release new Disney Trading Pins — open-edition, limited-edition, and limited-release styles
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