News

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

  • Jan- 2025 -
    2 January
    A scenic view of an amusement park featuring various roller coasters with loops and curves, a tall drop tower, and a steam train on tracks surrounded by greenery under a partly cloudy sky.

    After a Century of Fun, Knott’s Berry Farm Posts Closing Notice

    Knott's Berry Farm, known as America's 1st Theme Park, has been a beloved destination for Southern California families and theme park fans for over 100 years. However, a recent website update has sparked concern among guests, with many speculating that the park might be preparing to close its gates for good. The post in question has led to confusion, worry, and plenty of discussion among loyal Kno

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  • 2 January
    A stunning nighttime view of Epcot's Spaceship Earth at Walt Disney World, featuring the iconic geodesic sphere illuminated with purple and orange lights. Palm trees surround the structure, and the sky above is clear and dark at Disney World.

    Frustrated Disney Guest Alleges Lightning Lane Snub Was “Purposeful”

    In the past, Walt Disney World Resort had what was called the “off-season”—a time when crowds were light, wait times were short, and the weather was pleasant. It was the ideal time to visit. Unfortunately, those days are gone. While there are still periods that are less crowded than peak times, the parks are rarely quiet anymore. The two weeks around Christmas and New Year’s are especi

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  • 2 January
    Walt Disney Company's Bob Iger with Disney movie logo in the background

    Disney Set To Make New “Pirates” Film, Overshadowing Classic

    Pirate adventures have always been a cornerstone of Disney’s storytelling legacy. From the timeless charm of Treasure Island (1950), the studio’s first live-action film, to the ambitious sci-fi spin of Treasure Planet (2002), Disney has shown a knack for reinventing classic tales. Now, the studio is setting sail once again with a new take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic novel Treasure Island—bu

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  • 1 January
    Epcot Crowds

    Families Flee Disney World Parks Amid Soaring Prices, Holiday Crowds

    Walt Disney World Resort is known for a magical holiday season, but for many families, the combination of skyrocketing prices and overwhelming crowds made this year anything but enchanting. The week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve is historically one of the busiest times of the year, and 2024 was no exception. Crowds surged, causing hours-long waits, sold-out premium passes, and long line

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  • 1 January
    Characters from Moana 2

    Fans Fear ‘Moana 2’ Could Change the Disney Princess Legacy

    For nearly a century, Disney Princesses have held a special place in the hearts of audiences around the world. From the debut of its first princess, Snow White, in 1937, to iconic characters like Cinderella in 1950, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) in 1959, Belle in 1991, Jasmine in 1992, Rapunzel in 2010, and many more, Disney princesses have remained some of the most beloved characters from the Mouse Ho

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  • 1 January
    Disneyland crowds on Main Street, U.S.A.

    Disney Limits Guest Access to Theme Parks Amid Holiday Chaos

    The holidays are the busiest time of the year for Disneyland Resort, and this season proved no different. With surging crowds flooding Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and Downtown Disney, Disneyland Resort took an unusual step—limiting guest access to manage the overwhelming demand. Here's how it all unfolded during the week between Christmas and New Year's Eve. Restricted Drop-

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  • 1 January
    Harrison Ford in 'Blade Runner'

    Newly-Filmed ‘Blade Runner’ Sequel Goes Female-Led, Harrison Ford Out

    The Blade Runner franchise, renowned for its groundbreaking exploration of artificial intelligence and humanity, is set to continue with Blade Runner 2099, a miniseries slated to premiere on Amazon Prime Video in 2025. Unlike its predecessors, however, the new installment will introduce a fresh direction with a female-led cast, leaving behind the iconic presence of Harrison Ford. While Ford’s port

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  • 1 January
    A packed auditorium with blue lighting at D23 with Sorcerer Mickey on the screen

    Disney’s Latest Price Hike Comes With Hidden Extra Charges

    It seems no corner of the Disney universe is immune to price hikes, and this time, the beloved fan club D23 is the latest to see a significant cost increase. Known as the official Disney fan club, D23 was launched in 2009 to celebrate the company’s legacy and connect enthusiasts with exclusive events, behind-the-scenes access, and limited-edition merchandise. Its name nods to the year 1923 when Wa

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  • 1 January
    Angus MacInnes in 'Star Wars'

    Gold Leader Remembered: ‘Star Wars’ Actor Dies at 77

    The Star Wars galaxy bid farewell to a cherished figure on December 23, 2024, with the passing of Angus MacInnes. His family confirmed the news on New Year’s Eve, paying tribute to the actor best known for portraying Jon “Dutch” Vander, affectionately remembered as Gold Leader, in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977). Vander, a pivotal member of the Rebel Alliance's Gold Squadron, fought valiantly in the

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  • 1 January
    The entrance of Universal Studios Hollywood decorated for Christmas

    Two-Week Countdown to Surprise Permanent Farewell at Universal

    Universal Studios Hollywood’s CityWalk is undergoing a significant transformation, with another closure just weeks away. Like all theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood is no stranger to change. In fact, the park has arguably changed more than any other Universal destination over the years. What began in 1964 as a humble backstage tour (which itself had been performed in a different iteration ma

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