NEWS HUB Latest Disney News from WDWMAGIC

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How Disney Described Countdown to Extinction in 1998 - Full Press Release​

Countdown to Extinction, a thrilling dark ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, opened in 1998. The ride, later renamed DINOSAUR, takes guests on a time-traveling adventure to the Age of Dinosaurs, culminating in a close encounter with a carnotaurus and the impending asteroid impact. The attraction features animatronic dinosaurs and a dramatic storyline, immersing guests in a prehistoric world.

How Disney Described Countdown to Extinction in 1998 - Full Press Release

How Disney Described Countdown to Extinction in 1998 - Full Press Release

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...d-experiences-at-animal-kingdom.981958/unread

 

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DINOSAUR Hits 4+ Hour Wait on Final Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom​

DINOSAUR at Disney’s Animal Kingdom experienced a 4+ hour wait on its final day, the longest wait at any Walt Disney World park. The attraction is closing permanently tomorrow, and the park is crowded with guests, especially since Flight of Passage is down.

DINOSAUR Hits 4+ Hour Wait on Final Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom

DINOSAUR Hits 4+ Hour Wait on Final Day at Disney's Animal Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-experiences-for-animal-kingdom.981958/unread

 

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Disney Parks See Higher Guest Spending and Attendance in Q1 2026​

Domestic park attendance increased 1% in the quarter ended December 27, 2025, compared to a 2% decline in the prior year period. The improvement reflects comparison to Hurricane Milton's impact on operations during the same quarter last year. Per capita guest spending at domestic parks grew 4%, matching the prior year's growth rate.

Disney Parks See Higher Guest Spending and Attendance in Q1 2026

Disney Parks See Higher Guest Spending and Attendance in Q1 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney’s-q1-fy26-earnings-results-webcast.987476/unread

 

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Disney Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Record $10 Billion Theme Park Revenue​

Disney's theme parks delivered record revenue in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, providing the strongest performance across the company's business segments as streaming and entertainment divisions faced headwinds.

Disney Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Record $10 Billion Theme Park Revenue

Disney Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with Record $10 Billion Theme Park Revenue

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney’s-q1-fy26-earnings-results-webcast.987476/unread

 

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New Disney's Animal Kingdom Paper Map Now Shows DinoLand Replaced by Tropical Americas​

Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s new paper map shows DinoLand U.S.A. replaced by “Future Home of Tropical Americas,” reflecting the area’s closure on February 2. The new land, opening in 2027, will feature an Indiana Jones attraction, an Encanto ride, a carousel, and a large quick-service restaurant. The digital map in the My Disney Experience app has also been updated.

New Disney's Animal Kingdom Paper Map Now Shows DinoLand Replaced by Tropical Americas

New Disney's Animal Kingdom Paper Map Now Shows DinoLand Replaced by Tropical Americas

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...d-experiences-at-animal-kingdom.981958/unread

 

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Bob Iger Details Disney's AI Strategy During Q1 2026 Earnings Call​

During Disney’s Q1 2026 earnings call, CEO Bob Iger discussed the company’s AI strategy, highlighting a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI. This agreement allows users to create 30-second videos featuring Disney characters through the Sora AI platform, with curated content being integrated into Disney Plus. Iger emphasized that AI will enhance creativity, productivity, and consumer connectivity, while assuring that traditional programming will remain unaffected.

Bob Iger Details Disney's AI Strategy During Q1 2026 Earnings Call

Bob Iger Details Disney's AI Strategy During Q1 2026 Earnings Call

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ters-on-sora-ai-video-generator.987312/unread

 

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Opens Harambe Market Early with Limited Capacity Before Full Launch February 5​

Harambe Market reopens today, February 2, 2026, at Disney's Animal Kingdom with Mobile Order available starting at 10:30am.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Opens Harambe Market Early with Limited Capacity Before Full Launch February 5

Disney's Animal Kingdom Opens Harambe Market Early with Limited Capacity Before Full Launch February 5

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ad-of-restaurantosaurus-closure.986782/unread

 

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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Adds Another Day to Arctic Cold Closure​

Typhoon Lagoon water park will remain closed through February 3, 2026, due to extreme cold conditions in Central Florida. The National Weather Service has issued Extreme Cold and Freeze Warnings for the area.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Adds Another Day to Arctic Cold Closure

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Adds Another Day to Arctic Cold Closure

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Discussion - https://www.wdwmagic.com/attraction...n-adds-another-day-to-arctic-cold-closure.htm

 

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DINOSAUR Not Quite Done Yet - Cast Members Get Exclusive Ride Time Today​

Animal Kingdom cast members are enjoying a final ride on DINOSAUR before it closes for a retheme into an Indiana Jones adventure. The new attraction, part of the Tropical Americas land, is scheduled to open in 2027.

DINOSAUR Not Quite Done Yet - Cast Members Get Exclusive Ride Time Today

DINOSAUR Not Quite Done Yet - Cast Members Get Exclusive Ride Time Today

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-experiences-for-animal-kingdom.981958/unread

 

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Disney Files Plans for Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion at Seven Seas Lagoon​

Disney filed plans for a Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion at Seven Seas Lagoon, including hardscape improvements, dock expansion, and a floodplain compensation area. The project aims to improve guest flow and waiting areas at the ferry docks.

Disney Files Plans for Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion at Seven Seas Lagoon

Disney Files Plans for Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion at Seven Seas Lagoon

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-expansion-at-seven-seas-lagoon.987568/unread

 

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Impressions de France Closing for Refurbishment at EPCOT in February 2026​

Impressions de France at EPCOT will close for refurbishment on February 22, 2026, with no reopening date announced.

Impressions de France Closing for Refurbishment at EPCOT in February 2026

Impressions de France Closing for Refurbishment at EPCOT in February 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...hment-at-epcot-in-february-2026.987570/unread

 

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New Disney World Annual Pass Promotion Cuts Down Payment in Half for Florida Residents​

Florida residents can now purchase a Walt Disney World Annual Pass with a reduced down payment of $99, followed by 12 monthly payments. The promotion applies to all four Annual Pass types, with monthly payments ranging from $35.15 to $136.33.

New Disney World Annual Pass Promotion Cuts Down Payment in Half for Florida Residents

New Disney World Annual Pass Promotion Cuts Down Payment in Half for Florida Residents

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...t-in-half-for-florida-residents.987573/unread

 

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Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro to Replace Bob Iger as CEO in March 2026​

Disney has appointed Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO, effective March 18, 2026. D’Amaro, who has been with Disney for 28 years, currently leads Disney Experiences. Dana Walden has been named President and Chief Creative Officer, a new position.

Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro to Replace Bob Iger as CEO in March 2026

Disney Parks Chief Josh D'Amaro to Replace Bob Iger as CEO in March 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-ceo-of-the-walt-disney-company.987574/unread

 

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Who Will Replace Josh D'Amaro as Disney Experiences Chairman?​

Disney is searching for a new Chairman of Disney Experiences to replace Josh D’Amaro, who will become CEO on March 18, 2026. Three potential candidates are Thomas Mazloum, President of Disneyland Resort; Ken Potrock, President of Major Events Integration; and Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World Resort. Each candidate brings unique expertise and experience, with D’Amaro’s preference for promoting leaders with hands-on resort experience likely influencing the decision.

Who Will Replace Josh D'Amaro as Disney Experiences Chairman?

Who Will Replace Josh D'Amaro as Disney Experiences Chairman?

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-as-disney-experiences-chairman.987575/unread

 

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Sets Conservation Station Closure Date for Bluey Transformation​

Conservation Station and the Wildlife Express Train at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close on February 23, 2026, for a Bluey and Bingo character experience. The new experience will feature interactive games and an outdoor component with Australian animals.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Sets Conservation Station Closure Date for Bluey Transformation

Disney's Animal Kingdom Sets Conservation Station Closure Date for Bluey Transformation

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...d-cruise-line-beginning-in-2025.985279/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom's 'Journey of The Little Mermaid' Closing for Brief Refurbishment February 2026​

“Journey of The Little Mermaid” at Magic Kingdom will close for a brief refurbishment on February 11, 2026, reopening the following day. The reason for the closure is unknown.

Magic Kingdom's 'Journey of The Little Mermaid' Closing for Brief Refurbishment February 2026

Magic Kingdom's 'Journey of The Little Mermaid' Closing for Brief Refurbishment February 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...aid-to-be-closed-on-february-11.987580/unread

 

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Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Congratulates Josh D'Amaro, Offers Advice​

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner congratulated Josh D’Amaro on his appointment as the next CEO and offered advice, emphasizing creativity, brand protection, and exceptional guest experiences. Eisner also congratulated Dana Walden on her promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer.

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Congratulates Josh D'Amaro, Offers Advice

Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner Congratulates Josh D'Amaro, Offers Advice

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-ceo-of-the-walt-disney-company.987574/unread

 

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Disney CEO-Elect Josh D'Amaro Posts Message to Cast Members and Fans​

Josh D’Amaro, who will become Disney’s CEO on March 18, 2026, emphasized the importance of employees and fans in a social media post. He congratulated Dana Walden on her promotion to President and Chief Creative Officer and praised Bob Iger’s legacy. D’Amaro, who has been with Disney for 28 years, will oversee the transition as Chairman of Disney Experiences until his official appointment as CEO.

Disney CEO-Elect Josh D'Amaro Posts Message to Cast Members and Fans

Disney CEO-Elect Josh D'Amaro Posts Message to Cast Members and Fans

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-ceo-of-the-walt-disney-company.987574/unread

 

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Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro Discuss Disney CEO Transition in ABC News Interview​

In an ABC News interview, Bob Iger and Josh D’Amaro discussed the upcoming CEO transition at Disney. D’Amaro, who will replace Iger on March 18, 2026, emphasized his commitment to balancing Disney’s legacy with innovation. The interview also covered Disney’s strategic expansion into the Middle East, its approach to artificial intelligence, and the appointment of Dana Walden as President and Chief Creative Officer.

Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro Discuss Disney CEO Transition in ABC News Interview

Bob Iger and Josh D'Amaro Discuss Disney CEO Transition in ABC News Interview

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-ceo-of-the-walt-disney-company.987574/unread

 

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Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Reopens Today, Shuts Down Again for Cold Front​

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park will be closed Thursday and Friday due to a cold front, reopening on Saturday. Blizzard Beach remains closed for refurbishment.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Reopens Today, Shuts Down Again for Cold Front

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Reopens Today, Shuts Down Again for Cold Front

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/water-park-weather-closures.982543/unread