News

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

  • Dec- 2025 -
    13 December
    An EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays passport held up against Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World.

    You’ve Been Doing EPCOT Festivals Wrong — Here’s the One You Should Attend

    EPCOT has become the main festival destination at Walt Disney World, with many guests planning their visits around specific seasonal celebrations. The International Flower & Garden Festival and the International Food & Wine Festival are the highlight events, attracting large crowds eager to enjoy beautiful topiaries, outdoor kitchens, and unique food offerings. During the Food & Wine Festival, gue

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  • 13 December
    James Bond holding a gun in "007 First Light"

    ‘James Bond’ Reboot Adds Eighth Actor to New Lineup

    James Bond is set to return to both screens and consoles in the coming years. But while the next film from Amazon MGM, which is being directed by Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), has yet to confirm a release date, fans will soon return to the world of the most iconic secret agent with “007 First Light”, IO Interactive’s upcoming video game. Unlike previous games, “First Ligh

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  • 12 December
    Guests in front of the Universal Studios globe

    Universal’s Huge Additions Are Finally Exposing a Problem No One Predicted

    Universal Orlando Resort has been growing at a pace few theme parks have ever attempted, opening new lands, debuting high-profile attractions, and doubling down on projects that push the resort into a new era. But with that momentum comes a twist Universal may not have expected. Guests are starting to sense a fresh challenge forming—not because something has gone wrong, but because the resort’s su

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  • 12 December
    Bob Iger smiling at a crowd during a Disney event.

    Unions Accuse Disney of Hypocrisy Amid OpenAI Licensing Deal Backlash

    Disney's OpenAI Licensing Agreement Sparks Outcry Disney's recent licensing agreement with OpenAI, valued at $1 billion, has ignited significant backlash from various groups within the entertainment industry. Unions and environmentalists are leading the charge, expressing concerns about the implications of this partnership for both creative rights and ecological sustainability. Credit: Lucasfilm/D

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  • 12 December
    Tiana animatronic on Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World Resort

    Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Faces “Unexpected” Setback Far Earlier Than Disney Anticipated

    Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was meant to usher in a vibrant new era at Magic Kingdom, but the attraction hasn’t enjoyed the smooth early run Disney likely anticipated. Not even two years old, the ride is already known for abrupt downtime and frustrating delays. Guests track its status on the My Disney Experience app like stock traders watching market swings, and the inconsistency has sparked growing c

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  • 12 December
    Disney Peter Pan characters including Wendy, Peter, and Tinker Bell in a themed display.

    5 Disney World Rides Are Suddenly Facing an Uncertain Future

    Walk through Disney World right now, and you can feel how much is changing. New attractions open, familiar areas receive a fresh coat of concept art and engineering, and technology continues to reshape how guests experience the parks quietly. Disney clearly aims to stay ahead of growing crowds and rising expectations. However, while the resort looks to the future, a few older attractions are neari

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  • 12 December
    EPCOT World Showcase Cast members on a bright sunny day outside with plates of food and drinks from the Food and Wine Festival for guests at Disney World.

    Critics Call Out Disney for Racial Stereotypes in EPCOT’s World Showcase

    Concerns Over Cultural Representation Disney's EPCOT World Showcase is facing increasing scrutiny as accusations of racial stereotypes come to light. Visitors have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the portrayal of various cultures within the themed pavilions. Many guests describe their experiences as being steeped in oversimplified and exaggerated cultural representation

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  • 12 December
    family using disney app to book lightning lane passes at disney world

    Disney Alerts Visitors About a Lightning Lane Change Nobody Saw Coming

    A lot is happening across Walt Disney World right now. Refurbishments are nearing completion, attractions are being brought back online, and new projects are emerging, reshaping how guests navigate through the parks. Even regular visitors admit they’re having a tough time predicting what a typical day will look like. In the midst of this constant movement, Disney quietly introduced an unexpected u

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  • 12 December
    Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse dressed in safari gear at Tusker House in Animal Kingdom at Disney World.

    Animal Kingdom Update Following Two-Month Closure

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcomed back a familiar experience today as Kali River Rapids reopened after a planned refurbishment that began on October 6. Guests visiting on Friday, December 12, 2025, can once again step aboard the circulating rafts in the Asia section of the park from 9 a.m. through the park’s closing at 7 p.m. The attraction’s return comes during a transitional period for the park a

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  • 12 December
    Seasons Greetings sparkles on a giant snowflake sign at Disney Springs, where festive guests mingle amid lush holiday decor.

    Disney Springs Overcrowding During Holidays Creates Serious Safety Risks

    Walt Disney World's holiday season transforms Central Florida into a festive destination, filled with decorations, entertainment, and the unique Disney atmosphere. However, the rising crowd levels have shifted from mere inconvenience to serious safety concerns at Disney Springs. Disney Springs has become the epicenter of this issue. The shopping and dining complex doesn't require theme park admiss

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