News
Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.
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Apr- 2025 -22 April
Thousands of People Won’t Be Eligible for runDisney Races Starting in 2026
Disneyland Resort has announced that all runDisney races will be placed on indefinite hiatus beginning in 2026, following the conclusion of the 2026 Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend. This move is attributed to the upcoming construction impacts associated with the DisneylandForward expansion project. The Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend, scheduled from January 29 to February 1, 2026, will be the f
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22 April
“Too Much, Too Soon”: Epic Universe Guests Break the System
It didn’t take long for Epic Universe to feel the full force of guest excitement. With Universal Orlando’s newest theme park currently in Passholder Previews and its official opening still a month away, some elements are already straining under the pressure — especially when it comes to dining. The Blue Dragon Pan-Asian Restaurant was quietly added to Universal’s reservation system with available
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22 April
Disney World Leaves Adults-Only Hotspot Behind, Demolition Begins
Walt Disney World Resort is demolishing its beloved adults-only piano bar, Jellyrolls, just days after officially closing its doors. After decades of providing an entertainment escape for adult guests at Disney's BoardWalk, Jellyrolls played its final tune on April 19, 2025. The iconic dueling piano bar’s last night was one to remember, with crowds gathering to sing along to its final songs, inclu
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22 April
Disney World Moves Forward With Animal Kingdom Theme Park Overhaul
Walt Disney World Resort is making significant strides in transforming Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, with several major changes planned for the coming years. The park, which has undergone numerous updates since its opening on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, is getting ready for its biggest overhaul yet. As part of this transformation, one area in particular is saying goodbye: DinoLand U.S.A. On D
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22 April
Deluxe Disney Resort Hotel Fills Its Pool With Sand
Walt Disney World Resort’s Disney’s Yacht Club Resort is currently undergoing extensive renovations, leading to the temporary closure of its iconic Stormalong Bay pool. The pool, a popular feature at this Deluxe Disney Resort hotel, has been drained and filled with sand as part of the ongoing refurbishment. Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, located just a short walk from EPCOT and a boat ride away from
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22 April
Update: Seat Belt Breaks Mid-Ride, 13-Year-Old Thrown From Theme Park Attraction
Theme parks are built on trust—trust that each click of a seat belt, every lap bar lowered, is part of a system designed to keep guests safe. While incidents are rare, they still occur, prompting renewed scrutiny of how rides are maintained and operated. In recent years, some accidents have led to tragedy. In 2022, 14-year-old Tyre Sampson died after falling from the Orlando Free Fall ride at Flor
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22 April
Disney’s Rustic Resort Loses a Big Part of Its Charm—But There’s Still Hope
Florida’s springtime weather can be a rollercoaster, and right now, it’s created some serious wildfire concerns across Central Florida—including Walt Disney World. A new burn ban is now officially in effect, and it’s directly impacting guests staying at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. But before you panic about canceled memories and extinguished fun, there’s a silver lining. Why the
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22 April
Stop Overpaying! These Are the Secret Disney Dates Everyone Misses
Let’s face it—Disney World isn’t exactly cheap. Between tickets, food, lodging, and souvenirs, the costs add up fast. But if you’ve got a little flexibility in your schedule, you can still find a few golden opportunities to visit in 2026 without blowing your entire vacation budget. While prices for many Disney experiences continue to climb, the base ticket for a single-day, single-park visit is st
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22 April
‘Star Wars’ Reveals Expansion for Themed Land Experience
Remember Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser? Walt Disney World’s luxury two‑night, immersive “voyage” that asked families to shell out cruise‑level cash for a windowless hotel room? It opened in 2022 and shut its blast doors just 18 months later, crashing harder than the Death Star in Star Wars: Episode V — A New Hope (1977). Fortunately, if you still want to lose yourself in a faraway galaxy—w
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22 April
Darth Jar Jar Appearing in ‘Star Wars’ Special Event Ahead of May 4 Celebrations
Two decades ago, Ahmed Best’s Jar Jar Binks became the punchline of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Fans blasted the character’s slapstick humor, and Best endured years of online scorn—a low point long before “toxic fandom” became a household phrase. Yet the actor never fully left the faraway galaxy. Not only did he return to voice Jar Jar in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008̵
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