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 -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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15 January
EPCOT Is About to Feel Very Different Starting Tomorrow
If you’ve visited EPCOT enough times, you know the feeling. Some days, the park just hits differently. Tomorrow is shaping up to be one of those days. Guests walking into EPCOT will notice the shift almost immediately. The park isn’t just hosting another festival — it’s stepping into a new seasonal identity overnight. Colors pop a little more. Music feels more intentional. Even the pathways seem b
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15 January
The Squeeze on Liberty Square: New Permit Signals the End of an Era for Magic Kingdom’s Historic Shoreline
For many Walt Disney World purists, the soul of the Magic Kingdom resides in its transitions—the way the colonial brickwork of Liberty Square bleeds into the rough-hewn timber of Frontierland. But as of January 15, 2026, those historic lines are being redrawn. Credit: Jeff Krause, Flickr While the massive removal of the Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island has dominated the headlines for months
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15 January
Disney Fans Are Getting Unhinged as Ride Approaches Extinction
The death clock is officially ticking on DINOSAUR at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and fans are spiraling in the best possible way. The attraction closes permanently on February 1, 2026, which means we're down to the final weeks before this nearly 30-year-old ride goes the way of the actual dinosaurs. And instead of quietly mourning, Disney fans are going absolutely wild with their tributes. The Disney
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15 January
Disney World Empties Water Ride Following Sudden Attraction Stop
An unexpected incident at Disney’s Animal Kingdom gave guests a rare look at what happens when a major water attraction doesn’t go according to plan. During the final operating hours, one of the park’s most recognizable rides was fully drained after coming to a sudden stop. The attraction affected was Kali River Rapids, a staple of Disney’s Animal Kingdom that blends thrilling rapids with lush jun
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