News

Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.

  • Mar- 2026 -
    12 March
    Ragland Irish Pub

    The Most Authentic Irish Festival in America Is Coming to Disney Springs

    Raglan Road at Disney Springs will host The Mighty Festival, an annual St. Patrick's Day celebration, from March 13 to 17, 2026. This festival is described as the most authentic Irish festival in America, featuring Irish talent from Ireland, five outdoor bars, St. Paddy's merchandise, Celtic face painters, Irish dancers, and traditional cuisine. The lineup includes notable bands like Strings & Thi

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  • 12 March
    Spaceship Earth as seen from the EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon at Disney World.

    Fire Breaks Out at Walt Disney Worldโ€™s EPCOT on March 12

    A fire was reported inside EPCOT on Thursday afternoon, drawing a law enforcement response to one of Walt Disney World Resort's most visited theme parks. Fire at EPCOT on Thursday Afternoon Scanner monitoring account @WDWActiveCrime flagged the emergency on X (formerly Twitter) at 1:23 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, relaying publicly available information from law enforcement activity in the area: ๐Ÿ”ฅ

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  • 12 March
    Big Thunder Mountain Railroad coaster at Magic Kingdom

    Big Thunder Mountain Reopening Confirmed for May, Missing Spring Break Peak

    The red rocks of Frontierland have been eerily quiet for over a year, but the silence finally has an expiration date. However, for thousands of families currently packing their bags for a March or April getaway, the news is a massive “gut punch.” Credit: Disney According to the latest updates, Walt Disney World has officially confirmed that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will reopen in

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  • 12 March
    A colorful, circus-themed sign reads "Big Top Souvenirs" in large, lighted lettersโ€”a standout among Magic Kingdom shopsโ€”with banners on each side advertising "The World's Best Amazing Gifts" and "The World's Tastiest Treats.

    Disney Just Ripped the Roof Off This Magic Kingdom Shop and It Looks Wild

    Disney has removed the roof of Big Top Souvenirs at Magic Kingdom, exposing its structural framework. This change, noticeable while walking through Storybook Circus, marks the first visible work on the tent since refurbishment began after its closure in February 2026. Along with Pete's Silly Sideshow, which has also seen roof removal, Big Top Souvenirs is undergoing extensive renovations expected

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  • 12 March
    Crowds of people walk toward the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    Disney World Bulldozes 27-Year-Old Theme Park Land, Covers It up With Concrete

    DinoLand U.S.A. is officially extinct, and fresh concrete is already taking its place at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. The End of an Era at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park The death of DinoLand U.S.A. was slow. Walt Disney World Resort dismantled the beloved roadside-carnival-themed area in phases, beginning in January 2025 with the closure of Chester & Hester's Dino-Rama, the Fossil Fun

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  • 12 March
    A tiger with orange and black stripes rests on the grass next to an old, weathered brick wall. The tiger is lying in a lush, green area with long grass partially obscuring its body. The scene is calm and naturalistic.

    Disney Just Separated Baby Tiger Bakso From His Mother

    Bakso, the Sumatran tiger cub born at Disney's Animal Kingdom in September 2024, is now 18 months old and independent after being separated from his mother, Sohni. Fans who've followed his journey can now see him lounging in the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Asia section. This transition is normal for male Sumatran tigers, who typically leave their family at this age. Disney ensures animals are hea

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  • 12 March
    Grogu AKA The Child/"Baby Yoda"

    ‘Star Wars’ Confirms Multiple Changes to ‘The Mandalorian’s Grogu Character

    Few Star Wars projects in the streaming era have had the cultural impact of The Mandalorian. Since its debut on Disney+ in 2019, the series quickly moved from an experimental launch title for the platform into one of the franchiseโ€™s most influential modern stories. At the center of it all is the bond between Din Djarin, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, and Groguโ€”the small Force-sensitive child who immed

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  • 12 March
    Cinderella Castle at Disney World, surrounded by guests, lush gardens, Tomorrowland rocks, and painters adding fresh Disney magic.

    Disneyland and Disney World Named Among Americaโ€™s Most Dangerous Theme Parks

    We talk a lot about the best churro spots at Magic Kingdom, which quick-service windows have the shortest lines, and whether the Topolino's breakfast is actually worth waking up at 6 a.m. to book. That's our lane, and we love it. But every so often, something comes across our desk that we feel genuinely obligated to pass along โ€” even if it's not exactly a fun read. This is one of those times. A re

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  • 12 March
    Robert Downey Jr. holding Doctor Doom mask at Marvel Comic Con

    Marvel Signals Major Overhaul for Robert Downey Jr.โ€™s ‘Avengers’ Villain

    Marvel rarely struggles to grab attention, but the studioโ€™s latest developments involving Robert Downey Jr. have sparked new speculation across the MCU fandom. Instead of delivering a massive reveal, Marvel has allowed small hints to appear over time. Fans began noticing subtle clues through merchandise drops, promotional art, and discoveries shared online. Individually, these details seemed small

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  • 12 March
    A person with brightly painted orange nails holds up a green Walt Disney World Annual Passholder sticker featuring Timon standing on Pumbaa's head from "The Lion King." A large tree with an intricately carved trunk is visible in the background.

    Disney Confirms Rare 40% Price Drop for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders

    For many Walt Disney World fans, being an Annual Passholder has always meant more than just unlimited park access. It comes with a sense of belonging to a loyal community of visitors who return again and again to experience the parks. Along the way, Disney has offered special perks to reward that loyalty, from exclusive merchandise to dining discounts and occasional hotel deals. But every once in

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