News

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

  • Jun- 2025 -
    3 June
    The Liberty Square Riverboat at Magic Kingdom.

    Demolition Begins: Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America Closing Date Revealed

    Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is on the cusp of its most significant makeover yet, with Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America set to close their gates for the final time on July 6, 2025. This closure marks the conclusion of a beloved chapter as the park prepares to introduce two highly anticipated new lands: the Cars-inspired Piston Peak National Park and the much-awaited Villains Land.

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  • 3 June
    Hogwarts Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando at Islands of Adventure

    “Shut It Down,” Demands Issued Over Problematic Universal Attraction in Orlando

    With its sweeping views above the castle grounds, battles against fire-breathing dragons, and thrilling encounters with Dementors, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey has been a crown jewel of Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort. Yet, for some visitors, the magic has come with moments of real-world discomfort. The attraction’s sophisticated robotic arm system, combined with physica

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  • 3 June
    Spaceship Earth as seen from the EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon at Disney World.

    New Test Track Revealed Overnight in Disney World Update

    Change is rolling in fast at Walt Disney World Resort, and EPCOT’s Test Track is leading the way with a complete reimagining that blends nostalgic charm with contemporary thrills. This fresh take on the beloved attraction, inspired by the original World of Motion, is scheduled to reopen in late summer 2025 within World Discovery. The transformation is the result of an ongoing collaboration between

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  • 2 June
    Kid with goofy at a Disney Vacation Club hotel

    Disney Resort Hotels Crack Down on Money-Saving Hack

    The Walt Disney Company recently began cracking down on a popular money-saving strategy among guests: Disney Vacation Club (DVC) point rentals. The practice, which has long been touted as a way for guests to save money while staying at luxurious Disney Resort hotels, is now facing stricter enforcement. Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare rental program where members purchase a timeshare and are al

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  • 2 June
    Goofy Limbo at Cool Kid Summer at EPCOT

    New Disney World Area Off-Limits to Most Adults

    In the age of likes, shares, and reels, there’s a growing tension in the most magical place on Earth—one that doesn’t involve long wait times or Genie+ debates. As the lines between guest experiences and digital content continue to blur, Disney seems to be making one thing clear: some spaces just aren’t meant for TikToks. Every summer, Walt Disney World brings new experiences to its parks, whether

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  • 2 June
    Jonathan Joss in 'Parks & Recreation.'

    ‘Parks & Recreation’ Star Killed in Apparent Homophobic Attack

    Tragedy has struck the entertainment world with the death of actor Jonathan Joss, best known for his roles on Parks and Recreation and King of the Hill. Joss, 59, was shot and killed on Sunday, June 1, in an apparent homophobic attack outside his San Antonio, Texas home. According to reports from AP News, police arrived at the scene around 7:00 p.m. and found Joss lying near the road. Emergency re

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  • 2 June
    Three overwater bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

    After 53 Years, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Closes Florida Location

    A significant change has come to Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, one of Walt Disney World’s most iconic Deluxe Resort hotels. The resort’s popular BouTiki store, which offers everything from tropical trinkets to Hawaiian shirts and Disney-themed merchandise, is temporarily adjusting operations for a major refurbishment. On June 2, construction crews started work on BouTiki, a large merchandise

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  • 2 June
    two disney world guests looking at their phone behind big thunder mountain

    Disney Guests Demand Phone Crackdown After Rides Ruined by Flash, FaceTime, and Calls

    Walt Disney World may be known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” but for some recent visitors, the spell is being broken — not by long lines or summer heat, but by cell phones. A recent Reddit thread is sparking passionate discussion among Disney parkgoers who say phone use in ride queues and even during attractions has gotten completely out of control. From flash photography on Pirates of the

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  • 2 June
    Layoffs at Disney

    Despite Big Profits, Disney Cuts Hundreds of Jobs Again

    In recent years, The Walt Disney Company has undergone a whirlwind of internal restructuring, executive shakeups, and strategic shifts. From theme park operations to streaming content, the company continues to evolve at a rapid pace — and not all of those changes have been painless. Now, as fans celebrate billion-dollar box office wins and enjoy expanding offerings across Disney+, another difficul

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  • 2 June
    Lava Pool Polynesian Village Resort

    Emergency Evacuation at Disney World Hotel Leaves Guests Stranded Poolside

    Guests at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort experienced an unexpected disruption yesterday as the entire resort underwent an evacuation. The incident, which reportedly lasted between 20 and 30 minutes, saw guests ushered outside to the back of the resort, near the Lava Pool area, as Cast Members cleared indoor spaces including all major dining locations. Polynesian Evacuation byu/chunt

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