News

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

  • Oct- 2026 -
    5 October
    Guests explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, near the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction

    Disney World and Disneyland Announce Overnight Transformation in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

    Jedi hopefuls heading to Batuu have something new to build. Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort just rolled out a fresh lightsaber design and a set of enhancements to the weapons sold at Savi's Workshop, effective immediately at both Disneyland Park and Disney's Hollywood Studios. A New Hilt Theme Debuts Disney Parks Blog revealed the update on October 5, spotlighting a refreshed versio

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  • 5 October
    Guests gather around the iconic Universal globe statue at Universal Studios, surrounded by swaying palm trees.

    Universal Just Changed Its Months-Long Orlando Park Closure

    Sometimes the biggest news is hiding in the smallest phrases. Universal Orlando has updated the schedule for Volcano Bay's long winter closure, and instead of a single fixed date, the park is now using a looser timeframe. The water park closes for maintenance on October 26, and Universal says it plans to reopen “on or before April 1, 2027.” If you're mapping out a trip to Orlando betwe

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

    Physical Attack Reported at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park on October 5

    Law enforcement was called to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park on Monday morning after a report that someone had been battered at the fourth Walt Disney World Resort theme park. The 911 Call on Monday Morning The Orange County Sheriff's Office received the call at 10:08 a.m. on October 5, logging it as “Battery (Unwanted Touching or Striking Someone)” at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme

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  • 5 October
    Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park entrance

    After 6 Years, Post-COVID Update Comes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    A bit of color has vanished from the Asia area at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, where Walt Disney World Resort has quietly taken down the decorative lanterns that once hung outside a longtime venue for bird-themed shows. Lanterns Disappear From Asia On Monday, WDWNT reported that the hanging lanterns outside the Feathered Friends in Flight! show have been removed. Dozens of colorful lanterns

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  • 5 October
    Animal playing the drums in Electric Mayhem band for Muppet Coaster

    Disney’s New Boarding Crackdown: The Station Role Created to Stop Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Delays

    Ever since Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the revamped attraction has drawn massive crowds. Combining the high-energy musical chaos of Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem with a high-speed launched roller coaster featuring three inversions, the ride has quickly re-established itself as a park headliner. Credit: Disney However, that surge in

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  • 5 October
    disney world family in animal kingdom

    Disney World Landmark Transformed After Suffering Major Freeze Damage

    Disney’s Animal Kingdom is filled with details that guests can easily walk past while rushing to their next attraction. One familiar spot in Asia, however, may be a little harder to miss right now. The banyan tree located outside Yak & Yeti Restaurant has been covered with colorful fabric, garlands, bells, and other decorations, giving the longtime photo location an updated appearance. The timing

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  • 5 October
    Frozen decorations at Blizzard Beach

    Disney World Guest Abandons Lawsuit Over Alleged “Permanent Catastrophic Injuries”

    A guest who accused Walt Disney World of negligence following an incident at Blizzard Beach has dropped his lawsuit against the company. The case involved Eugene Strickland, who claimed he suffered serious injuries while riding Downhill Double Dipper during a July 2021 visit to the Disney water park. Strickland eventually sued Walt Disney World in May 2025, nearly four years after the incident. He

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  • 5 October
    Sunset over Disney Springs with its vibrant waterfront, entertainment venues, and a boat cruising past lively themed buildings.

    The Split-Stay Secret: How to Unlock a Disney Hotel Discount Mid-Trip

    A Walt Disney World getaway rarely comes cheap, especially when staying on-property at popular resorts like Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, or Wilderness Lodge. While standard seasonal promos released months in advance are the most common way to save, there is a lesser-known mid-trip strategy that can slash your hotel bill days before you check in. Credit: Disne

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  • 5 October
    Walt Disney World entrance arch featuring Mickey and Minnie. Disney World weather.

    Tornado Touches Down Near Disney World Hotel as Guests Receive No Alert

    Guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort experienced an unusual weather event after a tornado reportedly touched down near a Disney hotel. The tornado was reported near Disney's All-Star Sports Resort in Central Florida. Although the funnel apparently reached the ground, it didn't stay there for long. Reports indicate the tornado lasted approximately 30 seconds before lifting. No damage has been r

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  • 5 October
    Universal's iconic lighthouse with a sign that reads “Islands of Adventure”

    Universal Moves Forward With Islands of Adventure Replacement After 27 Years

    Universal Orlando Resort continues to make moves inside one of the oldest areas of Islands of Adventure, but guests are still waiting for the announcement that explains exactly what is happening. Lost Continent has been part of the theme park since Islands of Adventure opened in 1999. Now, 27 years later, the original land is gradually disappearing as demolition and construction activity continue.

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