News

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

  • Aug- 2025 -
    11 August
    Porch Potato Frank at Disneyland with Josh D'Amaro

    Farewell to Disneyland’s Beloved “Porch Potato,” Who Passed Away at 79

    Disneyland is full of iconic sights, sounds, and traditions, but its magic is often shaped by more than attractions and parades. Sometimes, it’s the people who return time after time that become part of the park’s story — the ones who make each visit feel a little more familiar. Guests may not always know their names, but certain figures stand out in the crowd. They’re the regulars who have woven

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  • 11 August
    People walk around the Japan World Showcase Pavilion at EPCOT.

    EPCOT Issues 2025 Closure Notice for Japan Area

    A popular location in EPCOT’s Japan World Showcase Pavilion has unexpectedly closed, and construction walls have gone up without any formal announcement from Walt Disney World Resort. While the rest of the pavilion remains open, one spot is now unavailable to guests — and could stay that way for a while. On August 11, WDWMagic reported that the Garden House sake kiosk in the Japan World Showcase P

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  • 11 August

    Despite Disney Fans’ Feelings, Bob Chapek Could Be Back

    Landscape of Theme Parks Today The theme park industry faces significant challenges, marked by a notable decline in attendance and revenue. Recent reports indicate that Six Flags, North America’s largest theme park company, recorded a staggering $100 million revenue drop in the second quarter. Attendance decreased by nine percent, while season pass purchases fell by eight percent. These figures hi

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  • 11 August
    The Red Force roller coaster at Port Aventura World's Ferrari Land.

    Man Climbs Tracks, Jumps From 367-Foot Tall Roller Coaster

    One of the world’s tallest roller coasters became the stage for a dangerous stunt when a man scaled its towering tracks and leapt from the top. The moment, captured on video, has once again gone viral, reigniting conversations about extreme theme park daredevils. The roller coaster in question is Red Force, the star attraction of Ferrari Land at PortAventura World in Salou, Catalonia, Spain. Stand

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  • 11 August

    Disney’s Next CEO? Dana Walden’s Emmy Win Steamrolls Josh D’Amaro

    Dana Walden, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, is making headlines once again — this time for receiving the highly esteemed 2025 International Emmy Founders Award. The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences revealed on Monday that Walden will be honored at the 53rd International Emmy Awards gala in New York this November, celebrating her sweeping influence on television worldwi

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  • 11 August
    Disney World's Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom

    Parents Found on Disney’s Space Mountain After Abandoning Infant in Hot California Sun

    Bystanders reportedly found an infant left alone in a stroller while its parents rode a Disneyland Park attraction. The story, captured in a viral Instagram video, has many calling for the family to face consequences from Disneyland Resort. The situation unfolded last month in Tomorrowland, where Disney Park guests noticed a baby alone in a stroller. According to Instagram user @tink_loves_disney,

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  • 11 August
    Guests walk through Halloween-decorated Main Street, U.S.A. at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.

    Disney’s Halloween Party Guests Are in for a Big Surprise This Year

    If you thought Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party couldn’t get any better, think again. Disney has a little trick up its sleeve for the 2025 season, and it’s one you won’t see coming until you’re in the park. The Halloween party is already one of the most anticipated events of the year at Magic Kingdom. Running on select nights from August 15 through October 31, it transforms the park into a pl

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  • 11 August
    Universal Studios Florida entrance archway covered in construction scrim displaying a new logo and Halloween Horror Nights 35 medallion.

    Annual Passholders Locked Out Overnight, Universal’s Mysterious Block Investigated

    For frequent visitors to Universal Orlando Resort, an Annual Pass (AP) is more than just admission — it’s a key to exclusive perks, merchandise discounts, and countless visits throughout the year. But one Reddit user recently found that the magic can quickly fade when their Annual Pass was unexpectedly blocked, leaving them without answers and stuck in a frustrating limbo. The Incident: A Routine

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  • 11 August
    Lava Pool Polynesian Village Resort

    Exclusive Minnie Van Airport Service Ignites Backlash Over Disney’s ‘Class Divide’

    Walt Disney World is making a notable change to its transportation offerings this summer. Starting Wednesday, August 13, guests staying at Deluxe Resort hotels will have the option to book Minnie Van service for direct travel to and from Orlando International Airport (MCO). This expansion marks the first time that airport transfers via Minnie Vans have been available beyond Club-level rooms, which

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

    Disney’s Original Animal Kingdom Theme Park Is Being Replaced

    Walt Disney World Resort is pressing full steam ahead with the transformation of its original theme park within a theme park at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Here’s what we know. The transformation centers on DinoLand U.S.A., which has been part of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park since its opening day. In January 2025, TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Chester & Hester’s Di

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