News
Disney Fanatic is here to deliver the latest in Disney news from The Walt Disney Company and beyond.
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Feb- 2025 -8 February
New Dolly Parton Attraction Unveiled During Dollywood Theme Park Hiatus
For fans of Dollywood, the park's seasonal closure can feel like an eternity. That's what makes one recent announcement so exciting. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Dollywood stands out as more than just a theme park—it’s a celebration of Southern culture, music, and craftsmanship, all wrapped in the warmth of Dolly Parton’s signature charm. Co-owned by Parton and Herschend
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8 February
Why Super Bowl Quarterbacks Choose Disney Parks for Their Celebrations
The Journey of a Famous Phrase Origins of the Catchphrase The iconic phrase “I'm going to Disney World” first appeared in sports during Super Bowl XXI, cementing its place in the culture of American football. The origins of this jubilant catchphrase lie in a seemingly simple dinner, where a discussion amongst influential figures, including Michael Eisner, then-CEO of Disney, and a grou
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8 February
Disney Gets Thumbs up To Begin Animal Kingdom Demolition
Walt Disney World just got the official go-ahead to move forward with its ambitious Animal Kingdom overhaul, and big changes are on the horizon. Disney's Animal Kingdom is in the midst of a massive transformation. Of course, bringing such an ambitious project to life takes time. While Disney aims to unveil the Tropical Americas land by 2027, many are skeptical about the tight timeline, even with J
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8 February
After Disney’s Lightning Lane Comments, Guests Visiting Disney World Next Weekend Take Action
Guests at Walt Disney World continue to sell out the newest high-priced perk. The ever-changing world of Disney’s line-skipping services continues to stir up conversation. Last year, Disney Experiences once again rebranded its FastPass replacement, ditching Disney Genie+ in favor of a more streamlined Lightning Lane system. Guests were introduced to the Lightning Lane Single Pass and Lightning Lan
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8 February
Future of Florida Tourism Hinges on Response to Tariff-Related Sentiments
Tariff Impacts on Florida's Tourism Industry President Donald Trump's announcements regarding tariffs have brought significant hesitance among international travelers to Florida, particularly affecting those from Canada and Mexico. These two nations have a history of strong tourism ties to the Sunshine State, heavily influenced by economic considerations and political sentiments. Government offici
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8 February
Disney Takes on ‘Star Wars’ Fan Criticism With Radical Shift in Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, one of Disney’s most anticipated theme park expansions, arrived with high expectations in 2019. However, its debut became one of the most divisive openings in recent Disney history. Now, nearly six years later, it appears that Disney is finally addressing one of the land’s most significant critiques. At both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in
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7 February
Disney Fans Follow Trump, Blaming DEI for Company’s Issues
Claims of DEI's Impact on Disney Engineering Recent debates have emerged among Disney fans, with some attributing the setbacks experienced by Disney Imagineering to the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Supporters of these claims argue that DEI has negatively influenced the engineering quality at Disneyland. Critics—including former President Donald Trump—have voiced st
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7 February
Final Days: Indiana Jones Adventure Closing Without a Reopening Date
Disneyland Resort has officially announced that the Indiana Jones Adventure will be closing for refurbishment on March 17. This anticipated closure has triggered a wave of reactions among fans of the ride, many expressing disappointment as they prepare for the attraction's temporary disappearance from the park. While Disney has confirmed the shutdown, they have yet to provide any timeline for the
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7 February
‘Star Wars’ Franchise Gets Update as New Leader Announced at Studio
A new era is dawning in the galaxy far, far away as Lucasfilm navigates a turbulent live-action future. In 2026, Star Wars returns to theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu, a feature film directed by Jon Favreau. Though it’s unclear if this will replace a fourth season of The Mandalorian, it has become the cornerstone of Lucasfilm’s upcoming theatrical slate. This comes despite Kathleen Kennedy
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7 February
Shifting Strategies: Disney Quietly Removes Diversity and Inclusion Comments Under Trump
The Walt Disney Company has long positioned itself as a champion of diversity and inclusion, integrating representation into both its workplace culture and entertainment offerings. However, as the political landscape shifts under President Donald Trump’s second term, signs indicate that Disney is quietly adjusting its approach to these efforts. Since Trump’s inauguration less than a month ago, his
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