News
Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.
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Aug- 2025 -5 August
VIDEO: Sudden Lightning Strike Hits Disney Castle
Magic Kingdom guests got far more than a fairy tale on the evening of August 5th when lightning dramatically struck the highest spire of Cinderella Castle, creating a shockwave that reverberated across the park and left visitors shaken—and stunned. The bolt made contact at approximately 6:01 PM, according to live eyewitness accounts. Though clouds loomed overhead, no active thunderstorm had yet de
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5 August
Disney World Forces Guest To Purchase Unwanted Souvenirs
A recent Walt Disney World Resort vacation came with an unexpected souvenir purchase after a simple interaction with a pressed penny machine resulted in an accidental charge. During their time at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, a Disney Fanatic team member and their family discovered that leaning against one of the park’s popular souvenir machines could cost guests. Credit: Disney Fanatic Whil
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5 August
Six Flags Theme Park Closes Entirely—Guests Left Scrambling After Devastating Update
A Six Flags theme park closed down for 24 hours and did not let anyone inside. Here's why. Six Flags Theme Park Goes Dark for 24 Hours One of the busiest days of summer at Carowinds just turned into a total washout. Literally. On Tuesday morning, Carowinds announced it would not open at all on August 5th, 2025, due to severe weather sweeping through the Carolinas. For thousands of guests—some who
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5 August
‘Star Wars’ Service Officially Disappearing After Over a Decade
After more than a decade of delighting Star Wars fans around the world, an airline collaboration with Disney-owned Lucasfilm is coming to an end. ANA, Japan’s largest airline, has confirmed that its two Star Wars-themed jets, R2-D2 and C-3PO, will soon retire, with the first jet ceasing operations in August 2025 and the second following in January 2026. Credit: Disney The R2-D2 jet will be the fir
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5 August
EPCOT’s 2025 Holiday Chaos Calendar Just Dropped, Fans Warned To Avoid Park
EPCOT during the holidays is a feast for the senses — glittering lights, festive music, and food booths serving seasonal dishes from around the globe. The EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is one of the resort’s most beloved traditions, and it’s not hard to see why. Between the Candlelight Processional, JOYFUL! concerts, and cultural storytelling around the World Showcase, it’s the perf
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5 August
Disney Shares New Details About ‘Star Wars’ Demolition at Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World Resort has filed a new construction permit for a major overhaul at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This latest filing comes just over a month before the permanent closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show in the Animation Courtyard area. Earlier this summer, Disney confirmed that an original attraction from the park’s past would return in a new form. The
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5 August
Universal Orlando Announces Surprise Closure for Popular Thrill Ride
Universal Orlando has been in the headlines lately, and not just for new attractions. The park recently confirmed Hollywood Rip Ride RockIt will permanently close on August 18, 2025 — and now another popular coaster is about to go offline, albeit for a much shorter stretch. Rip Ride RockIt’s departure is already bittersweet for fans who love its blend of towering drops and personalized music playl
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5 August
Surprise Change at Disney’s Grand Floridian Leaves Guests Asking Questions
Staying at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa comes with a certain level of expectation. Guests anticipate polished service, elegant surroundings, and a variety of experiences both big and small. From the fireworks views over the lagoon to the lively poolside atmosphere, every detail is part of the magic. But this week, that magic took an unexpected turn for some guests—one that had them scratc
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5 August
Disney Confirms Major Pirates of the Caribbean Expansion at Magic Kingdom
If there’s one thing Disney knows how to do, it’s build suspense. For months, Adventureland has been quietly transforming. Construction walls went up around the former Pirates League, then came down just enough to tease glimpses of what was happening inside. Rumors swirled, but Disney kept its treasure chest closed. While the park has made tweaks to Pirates of the Caribbean over the years, full ex
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5 August
Disney World Locks Out Luxury Guests for Two Weeks, Closure Notice Posted
Guests arriving at one of Walt Disney World Resort’s most exclusive recreational experiences were met with a surprise this week: locked gates and a newly posted closure notice. As of Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Disney’s Palm Golf Course is officially closed to all Walt Disney World Resort guests. The 18-hole course, known for its “shimmering lakes, tropical sands, and sloping greens,” is undergoing a
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