News
Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.
-
Jan- 2026 -2 January
Disney Celebrates Milestone as ‘Zootopia 2’ Changes Company History
Bob Iger’s return to Disney’s top job was framed as a reset. Four years after one of the company’s most unexpected leadership reversals, that reset has produced a historic box-office result—one that is now reshaping Disney Animation’s internal rankings. In November 2022, Disney made headlines by abruptly parting ways with CEO Bob Chapek following a rocky tenure marked by internal discord, public c
Read More » -
2 January
After Reports Went Viral, Disney World Location Closure Confirmed
A familiar storefront at Disney Springs has gone dark. Sprinkles Cupcakes, which served guests for nearly a decade, officially closed its location on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026. The closure marks the end of one of the district’s longest-running dessert offerings. The Disney Springs bakery debuted in May 2016 and became known for its rotating cupcake flavors, baked goods, and ice cream. One of
Read More » -
2 January
Big Thunder Mountain Closure Update: New Construction Spotted as Reopening Window Nears
For nearly half a century, the silhouette of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has served as the rugged anchor of Frontierland. It is a ride that has defined “the wildest ride in the wilderness” for generations of Magic Kingdom guests. However, as we stand on January 2, 2026, the trains are silent, the tracks are bare, and a massive construction project is currently rewriting the future of
Read More » -
2 January
Disney Changing Its Iconic Cars Land Restaurant as We Know It, Effective January 20
Disney is changing the menu at one iconic eatery. In recent years, Disney has quietly leveled up its theme park dining. Menus have become more thoughtful, plant-based options are more common, and specialty beverages now rival standalone cafés. (The sheer variety of festive coffees available at Disneyland Resort for the holidays in 2025 is proof alone of that fact.) At Disney California Adventure,
Read More » -
2 January
Child Assaulted at Disney World at 1:00 a.m. On January 1
A New Year's celebration at the Most Magical Place on Earth descended into violence when a 14-year-old boy became the victim of a brutal attack at Magic Kingdom Park. The shocking incident unfolded just after midnight as families departed the theme park following New Year's Eve festivities, leaving one child injured and two men facing serious consequences. Late-Night Violence Shatters Disney Magic
Read More » -
2 January
Figment Closes the Door on Disney World Guests in January 2026
Journey Into Imagination With Figment remained shuttered at EPCOT on Friday morning following an unexpected closure. One Walt Disney World Resort guest shared backstage photographs from inside the World Celebration attraction after becoming stuck inside their ride vehicle. Breakdown at EPCOT Reddit user u/Ptucker212 posted two behind-the-scenes images on Friday morning after Journey Into Imaginati
Read More » -
2 January
Disney Inches Closer to ‘Zootopia 3’ With Update Fans Didn’t Miss
Disney didn’t make a big show of it. There was no logo splash, no teaser clip, and no countdown clock. Instead, the company released a quiet update that longtime fans immediately recognized as meaningful. It didn’t say Zootopia 3 (TBD) out loud—but it didn’t need to. When recent comments, scheduling patterns, and Disney’s sequel-focused playbook are viewed together, the implication becomes clear.
Read More » -
2 January
Disneyland Races Completely Vanish From runDisney’s 2026–2027 Calendar
runDisney has announced its race schedule for the 2026–2027 season. Runners have reacted quickly and strongly, with many showing their frustration. The announcement included dates and registration details for several popular events. However, there is one major issue: no Disneyland runDisney races are planned for the entire season. For runners on the West Coast and longtime fans of Disneyland races
Read More » -
2 January
Disney Has Secret Beach Resort Where Everyone Jumps in Pool on New Year’s Eve
Disney's Vero Beach Resort is probably the most forgotten Disney property in existence, and they just had the most wholesome New Year's Eve celebration. Most Disney fans are likely unaware that this resort exists. It's a Disney Vacation Club property on Florida's Atlantic coast, about two hours from Disney World. DVC exclusive, so unless you're a member, you probably haven't heard of it. Vero Beac
Read More » -
2 January
Disney Dining Plan 2026 Restaurant List: What’s Back, What’s Missing, and New Restrictions
Walt Disney World guests experienced weeks of uncertainty when more than 35 popular restaurants suddenly disappeared from the Disney Dining Plan in late December 2025. For families holding 2026 vacation packages—especially those who booked Disney's “Kids Eat Free” promotion—the mass exodus created significant planning challenges. Credit: Disney The good news: approximately 20+ restaura
Read More »
