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 -21 April
Disney World Brings Christian Religion Into Florida Theme Park
Following the death of Pope Francis, Walt Disney World Resort has kept its flags at half-staff across its Central Florida properties, joining the nationwide observance honoring the late Catholic leader. The 88-year-old pontiff died Monday morning after suffering a stroke that led to heart failure. He had been hospitalized earlier this year for double pneumonia and was known to have a chronic lung
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21 April
Universal’s New Park Might Be Too “Epic” for Toddlers to Handle
Universal’s Epic Universe might just be the most stunning theme park ever built—but if you're bringing a toddler, you might want to watch this TikTok first. Theme park content creator @MagicallyMadisen posted a now-viral video recapping her visit to Epic Universe with her young daughter. While she praised the theming and visuals, there was one issue she couldn't ignore: her toddler couldn’t ride a
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21 April
Disney and Pixar Will Officially Replace Male Voice Actor in ‘Toy Story 5’
Pixar has confirmed that the character of Combat Carl will return in Toy Story 5 (2026), but with a new voice behind the role. The change comes following the death of actor Carl Weathers, who originally voiced the character in multiple Toy Story projects. Weathers, a former NFL player turned actor, passed away on February 1, 2024, from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He was known for his r
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21 April
Johnny Depp And Disney Near Completion On New Deal For Pirates Franchise
Anticipation Builds for Depp's Return The prospect of Johnny Depp returning to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among fans. After nearly eight years since Depp last portrayed the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow, the potential for his reprisal of the role has spread excitement throughout the fanbase. There's a palpable eagerness to see Depp don the familiar attire
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21 April
Disney Had No Choice: Fans Contemplate Future of “Abandoned” ‘Star Wars’ Ride
Okay, Disney fans… this one came out of nowhere. We all knew Smugglers Run wasn’t exactly lighting up the wait times anymore, right? Compared to Rise of the Resistance, the Falcon’s interactive ride just felt a little, well… dated. Not broken. Just stale. And now, in a move no one really saw coming, Disney just announced that Smugglers Run is about to get a massive overhaul—and people are loving i
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21 April
‘Harry Potter’ Star Slams J.K. Rowling for Bigoted Statements
Another actor from the Harry Potter film series is speaking out against author J.K. Rowling following years of controversy surrounding her views on transgender people. Sean Biggerstaff, who played Oliver Wood in several of the Wizarding World films, has publicly rebuffed Rowling’s latest commentary, further widening the rift between the author and the stars who helped bring her magical world to li
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21 April
The Magic Starts Earlier and Ends Later in 2026 at Disney World
If you’ve ever wished your Disney World day could start earlier or last just a little longer, 2026 might be your dream year to visit. That’s because Disney has confirmed that both Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours will continue for eligible resort guests all the way through the end of next year. These two benefits have grown into essential pieces of the Disney planning puzzle. They
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21 April
Disney World Vacations End in Tragedy When Plane Catches Fire
A Delta Air Lines aircraft caught fire shortly before takeoff at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Monday morning. The incident occurred on Delta Flight 1213, which was preparing to depart for Atlanta with nearly 300 people onboard—many of them likely headed home from Walt Disney World Resort and other popular Central Florida theme parks. According to early reports, the engine fire began whil
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21 April
New Restrictions Could Be Coming to Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Others
From public arguments in queues to guests literally hopping out of moving rides, it’s clear that many have forgotten the idea of common courtesy—and Disney’s Cast Members are left to deal with the consequences. But there’s one form of misbehavior that’s standing out lately: filming on rides. Despite repeated warnings not to record during certain attractions, guests continue to ignore the rules. So
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21 April
Big News: Free Theme Park Tickets for Disney Resort Guests in 2026
Disney World hotel guests, this one’s for YOU! If you’re heading to the Most Magical Place on Earth next summer, there’s a returning perk you’ll want to take full advantage of—especially if you're arriving early and looking for a way to jumpstart your vacation. Let’s talk about how you can score free water park admission on the day you check in to your Disney Resort hotel in 2026! The Return of th
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