News

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

  • Dec- 2024 -
    29 December
    Millennium Falcon in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney World's Hollywood Studios.
    Jess Colopy
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    Crowds Crush Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Wait Times Soar

    Disney's Hollywood Studios felt the full force of holiday crowds this week as Walt Disney World Resort guests packed the park for festive celebrations. With crowd levels hitting historic peaks, wait times for popular attractions soared to shocking highs, overwhelming many visitors. Holiday Crowds Take Over Disney's Hollywood Studios The week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve is one of the b

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  • 29 December
    Hogwarts Wizarding World of Harry Potter Universal Orlando at Islands of Adventure
    Jess Colopy
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    Universal Orlando Announces Changes to ‘Harry Potter’ Attraction at Both Theme Parks

    Universal Orlando Resort has announced a temporary closure for one of its most iconic Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions, impacting both of its theme parks. The Hogwarts Express, which connects the Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley lands, will cease operations for a short refurbishment next month. A Magical Link Between Two Parks The Hogwarts Express has been a fan-favorite since it debuted alon

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  • 29 December
    A bustling crowd walks towards a large, ornate castle at a theme park. The street is lined with colorful buildings decorated for a festive occasion, featuring orange and black elements. Various flags are flying atop the buildings, adding to the lively atmosphere at Disney World inside Magic Kingdom.
    Andrew Boardwine
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    The Holidays at Disney World: Why Crowds and Wait Times Soar

    Planning a Disney World trip during the holidays can be a whirlwind of excitement and long lines. The holiday season is one of the most magical, but also busiest, times to visit the parks. With the festive period behind us, recent wait-time trends highlight just how crowded the parks were. Animal Kingdom’s Avatar Flight of Passage led the charge with an average wait of 102 minutes. Known for its c

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  • 29 December
    Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) doing the iconic scream in 'Home Alone'
    Krysten Swensen
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    How the McCallister’s Funded Their Iconic ‘Home Alone’ Lifestyle

    For over 30 years, Home Alone has been a cornerstone of holiday viewing, blending heartwarming family moments with laugh-out-loud comedy. Released in 1990, the film follows Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), an 8-year-old boy left behind when his family jets off to Paris for Christmas. Kevin’s ingenious defense of his home against burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) captivated aud

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  • 29 December
    Kingda Ka roller coaster with riders descends a steep loop against a clear blue sky.
    Chloe James
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    Kingda Ka’s Final Chapter: Six Flags Plans February Implosion

    Six Flags Great Adventure, a staple of New Jersey entertainment for decades, is saying goodbye to one of its most iconic rides. Kingda Ka, the record-breaking roller coaster that has been a symbol of adrenaline and engineering feats since its debut in 2005, will soon be reduced to rubble. The Rise and Fall of Kingda Ka When it opened, Kingda Ka immediately captured global attention as the tallest

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  • 29 December
    Main Steet, U.S.A. in Disney World's Magic Kingdom
    Andrew Boardwine
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    Holiday Rush Ends, but the Line for One Magic Kingdom Ride Is Just Beginning

    As the holiday decorations come down and crowds thin out at Disney World, one ride in Magic Kingdom is set to buck the trend and keep its lines long. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the iconic roller coaster beloved by generations of park-goers, will close on January 6, 2025, for an extensive refurbishment. This downtime will last at least a year, with Disney eyeing a reopening date sometime in 202

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  • 29 December
    Redesigned Walt Disney World website showing its simplified navigation and updated homepage.
    Chloe James
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    Hectic Holiday Demand Leaves Disney World Guests Without Service

    Walt Disney World Resort is experiencing a surge of activity this holiday season, with evidence pointing to record-breaking sales of its premium line-skipping service, the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. The week between Christmas and New Year has always been a peak period for Disney's theme parks, but this year’s crowds have exceeded expectations. Guests at Magic Kingdom Park have reported wait time

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  • 29 December
    On the left, a magical Disney castle stands under a clear blue sky. On the right, a person in a brown jacket sits with a pink suitcase, head in hands, exuding frustration amidst the bustling scene of an airport terminal as Disney travel is disrupted.
    Rick Lye
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    Stormy Weather Causes Chaos for Disney World Travelers Across the Country

    Disruptions in Holiday Travel The recent winter storms wreaked havoc on holiday travel plans, particularly for those departing from Disney World. A surge in flight cancellations was reported, causing frustration among thousands who aimed to reach their destinations after enjoying the festivities. Specifically, analysis confirmed that regions like Florida and Texas experienced overwhelming challeng

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  • 29 December
    Craziest arrests at Disney
    Krysten Swensen
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    2024’s Most Outrageous Arrests at Disney Parks Will Leave You Stunned!

    Walt Disney World Resort is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” while Disneyland Resort is called “The Happiest Place on Earth.” These iconic titles evoke feelings of joy, nostalgia, and treasured memories, making it hard to imagine anything going wrong in such magical settings. Unfortunately, there are always a few individuals whose actions disrupt the magic —

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  • 29 December
    "it's a small world" lightning lane
    Rick Lye
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    The Struggle of Stand-By Lines: How Lightning Lane Changes the Disney Experience

    Changes in the Lightning Lane System Introducing the Lightning Lane system at Disney World and Disneyland has dramatically reshaped how guests navigate the parks. Transitioning from the previously free FastPass system to a paid service has stirred significant debate among parkgoers. The Lightning Lane offers a chance to skip long lines, but it comes with a price tag that is not welcomed by all. Ma

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