News
Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.
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Jan- 2026 -16 January
7 Ongoing Issues Disney World Guests Keep Complaining About
Planning a Disney World vacation has always required effort, but in 2026, guests say it’s becoming more complicated — and more frustrating — than ever. Across online discussions and firsthand accounts, the same issues keep surfacing, suggesting these aren’t isolated experiences but ongoing pain points. Here are the seven complaints guests continue to raise again and again. 1. Everything Costs More
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16 January
Disney World Just Got Merchandise From Another Park, and It’s Discounted
Something weird is happening at Disney World right now, and Disney collectors need to pay attention. The France Pavilion in EPCOT is currently loaded with Disneyland Paris merchandise that absolutely should not be there, and it's all being sold at a steep 30% discount while supplies last. This is the kind of inventory mistake that hardcore Disney fans dream about. The Merchandise That Wasn't Suppo
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15 January
Star Wars Reset: Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan to Lead Lucasfilm Into a New Era as Kathleen Kennedy Officially Steps Down
The “Force” has finally shifted at Lucasfilm. In a monumental announcement on January 15, 2026, Disney confirmed that Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down as President of Lucasfilm after a 14-year tenure. Taking the reins of the galaxy far, far away is a new powerhouse duo: Dave Filoni has been named President and Chief Creative Officer, while longtime General Manager Lynwen Brennan will
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15 January
Woman Reports 2025 “Drowning” Incident on Disneyland Ride
A Disneyland Park visitor claims she nearly “drowned” on Tiana's Bayou Adventure, posting a viral Instagram video warning others about sitting in the front row. The dramatic claim sparked widespread mockery from Disney Parks fans, questioning how someone could be surprised by getting wet on a water ride. Instagram Warning Goes Viral Instagram user @evesbeautycanvas posted a reel that a
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15 January
Disney Moves to Prevent Another Figment-Level Line Disaster in 2026
Anyone who remembers the original Figment popcorn bucket frenzy at EPCOT knows exactly why Disney is acting now. Lines stretched endlessly. Walkways became impassable. Guests waited for hours, only to find out the bucket had sold out before they reached the front. That moment became a turning point. As Disney looks ahead to 2026, it’s clear the company doesn’t want to relive another Figment-level
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15 January
Disney’s Latest Souvenir Changes How Guests Collect Autographs
There’s a quiet shift happening at Walt Disney World, and it’s one longtime fans will recognize immediately. Disney has introduced a new character signatures tumbler that essentially skips one of the most time-consuming parts of a theme park day: waiting in line for autographs. If you’ve ever planned a Disney trip around character meet-and-greets, you know how tricky it can be. Lines stretch unexp
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15 January
The Billion-Dollar Debt Trap: Why Six Flags is Liquidating Parks to Survive its 2026 Financial Crisis
The historic $8 billion merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair was billed as a “new era of thrills.” But as of January 15, 2026, the newly formed Six Flags Entertainment Corp is riding a financial “death drop” that has forced the company into a ruthless survival mode. With a staggering $5.2 billion in total debt and interest rates at levels analysts call “credit card
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15 January
Scooby-Doo Makes a Major Return to Universal Studios With New Attraction
Scooby-Doo has always belonged at Universal Studios. The mystery-solving format, the spooky humor, the classic monsters — it all lines up perfectly. And yet, for years, the franchise remained on the sidelines while other IPs took over the spotlight. That changes in 2026. Universal Studios Hollywood has officially announced a brand-new Scooby-Doo attraction experience, marking one of the character’
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15 January
Disney To Close Waterslide Involved in “Wedgie” Lawsuit on January 20
On Thursday, Walt Disney World Resort announced the closure of a waterslide currently embroiled in legal controversy. Humunga Kowabunga at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will shut down on January 20, 2026—weeks before the park's February seasonal refurbishment begins. Construction permits filed earlier this month revealed Disney plans significant work on the attraction. Rough Week for Typhoon
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15 January
Disney Pulls Kylo Ren Character After Announcing Plans To Erase ‘Star Wars’ Sequel Trilogy
Disney is continuing to step back from Kylo Ren as it reshapes its Star Wars strategy across film and theme parks. The latest change affects one of the franchise’s most visible physical spaces: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. The decision follows the recent shelving of a planned solo movie centered on the character. Together, the moves suggest Disney is narrowing how — and where — Kylo Ren appears. For
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