NEWS HUB Latest Disney News from WDWMAGIC

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Construction Walls Appear Around A-Wing in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios​

Construction walls have appeared around the A-Wing starfighter in the Resistance camp area of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The purpose of the work is unknown, with no official word from Disney.

Construction Walls Appear Around A-Wing in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios

Construction Walls Appear Around A-Wing in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...struction-walls-in-galaxys-edge.987806/unread

 

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Darth Vader Meet and Greet Moves to Former Jedi Training Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios​

Darth Vader’s meet and greet has moved to the former Jedi Training stage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is the second relocation for the character in recent months.

Darth Vader Meet and Greet Moves to Former Jedi Training Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Darth Vader Meet and Greet Moves to Former Jedi Training Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...g-academy-stage-near-star-tours.987807/unread

 

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Disney After Hours EPCOT 2026: Second Sell-Out of the Season​

The April 2 Disney After Hours event at EPCOT has sold out, marking the second sell-out of the 2026 season. The event, priced at $179, offers late-night access to popular attractions, complimentary snacks, and character appearances.

Disney After Hours EPCOT 2026: Second Sell-Out of the Season

Disney After Hours EPCOT 2026: Second Sell-Out of the Season

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-after-hours-return-january-2023.978998/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy Parade Returns to Single Daily Performance in April 2026​

The Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom will return to a single daily performance at 3pm starting April 6, 2026. This change follows a period of two daily performances and is subject to change beyond May 2, 2026.

Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy Parade Returns to Single Daily Performance in April 2026

Magic Kingdom's Festival of Fantasy Parade Returns to Single Daily Performance in April 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-to-return-to-walt-disney-world.975654/unread

 

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Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade: New Morning Times Replace Evening Slots in April 2026​

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom will move to morning showtimes at 10:30am and 11:45am starting April 6, replacing the current evening performances.

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade: New Morning Times Replace Evening Slots in April 2026

Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade: New Morning Times Replace Evening Slots in April 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-to-return-to-walt-disney-world.975654/unread

 

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Francesca's at Disney Springs Closing Permanently on March 29​

Francesca’s at Disney Springs will close permanently on March 29, 2026, as part of the company’s nationwide exit from the retail market. The store is currently running liquidation sales.

Francesca's at Disney Springs Closing Permanently on March 29

Francesca's at Disney Springs Closing Permanently on March 29

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...to-close-in-nationwide-shutdown.987514/unread

 

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Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Getting New Signage as Part of Magic Kingdom Refurbishment​

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom will reopen in early May 2026 after a major refurbishment, including new signage, trains, animatronics, and effects. The refurbishment will also introduce a new Rainbow Caverns scene and gold on the mountain.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Getting New Signage as Part of Magic Kingdom Refurbishment

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Getting New Signage as Part of Magic Kingdom Refurbishment

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/big-thunder-mountain-to-receive-full-retrack.983692/unread

 

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Soarin' at EPCOT Getting More Than a New Film? New WDI Permit Suggests Set Changes​

Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for set element installation at Soarin’ at EPCOT, suggesting more than just a new film. The work, scheduled for May, could involve changes to the queue, boarding area, or ride vehicles.

Soarin' at EPCOT Getting More Than a New Film? New WDI Permit Suggests Set Changes

Soarin' at EPCOT Getting More Than a New Film? New WDI Permit Suggests Set Changes

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...rld-for-nation’s-250th-birthday.986964/unread

 

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Disney's $1.5 Billion Epic Games Deal Meets a Complicated Reality After Mass Layoffs​

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced layoffs of over 1,000 employees due to a significant drop in Fortnite engagement and financial challenges. This news puts scrutiny on Disney’s $1.5 billion investment in Epic, as the company faces industry-wide challenges and a need for a financial reset. Despite the layoffs, Epic plans to focus on fresh Fortnite content, developer tools, and a “huge launch” towards the end of the year.

Disney's $1.5 Billion Epic Games Deal Meets a Complicated Reality After Mass Layoffs

Disney's $1.5 Billion Epic Games Deal Meets a Complicated Reality After Mass Layoffs

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...nment-universe-tied-to-fortnite.983041/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion Gets Green Light from Water Management District​

The South Florida Water Management District approved Disney’s permit for the Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion project. The project will expand waiting areas and boarding facilities at the Magic Kingdom ferry dock, continuing a decade of ferry infrastructure upgrades. No construction timeline has been announced.

Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion Gets Green Light from Water Management District

Magic Kingdom Ferry Boat Queue Expansion Gets Green Light from Water Management District

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

 

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OpenAI Announces Sora Closure - Disney's $1 Billion Deal in Limbo​

OpenAI is closing its AI video generation service, Sora, impacting its partnership with Disney. This includes Disney’s $1 billion equity investment and character licensing agreement, which allowed users to create AI-generated videos featuring Disney characters. OpenAI cites a strategic refocus ahead of its anticipated IPO as the reason for the closure.

OpenAI Announces Sora Closure - Disney's $1 Billion Deal in Limbo

OpenAI Announces Sora Closure - Disney's $1 Billion Deal in Limbo

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

 

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Disney World Lightning Lane Easter 2026: Prices, Sellouts, and Booking Tips​

Disney World’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass is sold out at Magic Kingdom through April 3 and at Hollywood Studios from March 30 to April 2. Prices for Premier Passes vary by park and date, with Magic Kingdom being the most expensive. Multi Pass and Single Pass options are available for those who want to save money and plan their day around arrival windows.

Disney World Lightning Lane Easter 2026: Prices, Sellouts, and Booking Tips

Disney World Lightning Lane Easter 2026: Prices, Sellouts, and Booking Tips

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/lightning-lane-premier-pass.984915/unread

 

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Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade Confirmed to Return to Magic Kingdom in 2026​

Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmastime Parade will return to Magic Kingdom for the 2026 holiday season. Disney has not announced details for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party 2026, including dates, entertainment, or pricing.

Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade Confirmed to Return to Magic Kingdom in 2026

Mickey's Once Upon A Christmastime Parade Confirmed to Return to Magic Kingdom in 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party-2026.987814/unread

 

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Disney's Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment Brings Construction Impacts Through Late 2026​

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge is undergoing an exterior refurbishment, impacting the resort’s entrance and boat dock through late 2026. Guests should expect construction activity and temporary impacts during their visit.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment Brings Construction Impacts Through Late 2026

Disney's Wilderness Lodge Exterior Refurbishment Brings Construction Impacts Through Late 2026

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ction-impacts-through-late-2026.987816/unread

 

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Star Wars Day 2026 Logo Collection Merchandise Revealed With Mandalorian Theme​

Disney revealed the Star Wars Day 2026 Logo Collection, featuring Mandalorian-themed merchandise with artwork of Grogu, Ahsoka Tano, and Bo-Katan. The collection, available April 4 at DisneyStore.com and Disney parks, includes apparel, accessories, and more.

Star Wars Day 2026 Logo Collection Merchandise Revealed With Mandalorian Theme

Star Wars Day 2026 Logo Collection Merchandise Revealed With Mandalorian Theme

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/star-wars-day-2026.987817/unread

 

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Disney Legends Class of 2026 Announced for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event​

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center from August 14-16. The event will feature presentations, experiences, and the Disney Legends Ceremony. Reservations for Anaheim Convention Center events will be distributed through a random selection process, while evening shows at the Honda Center are for Ultimate Fan Pass holders only.

Disney Legends Class of 2026 Announced for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

Disney Legends Class of 2026 Announced for D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/d23-the-ultimate-disney-fan-event-2026-in-anaheim.986617/unread

 

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D23 2026 Tickets On Sale April 2: Prices, Pass Types, and What's Included​

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center and Honda Center from August 14-16, 2026. Tickets go on sale April 2, with details on prices, pass types, and event information available.

D23 2026 Tickets On Sale April 2: Prices, Pass Types, and What's Included

D23 2026 Tickets On Sale April 2: Prices, Pass Types, and What's Included

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/d23-the-ultimate-disney-fan-event-2026-in-anaheim.986617/unread

 

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D23 2026 Hours, Entry, and Reservation Details Revealed​

D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 will be held August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Show hours are 9am-8pm for full-day guests and 4pm-8pm for afternoon-only guests. Reservations for presentations and experiences are distributed through a random selection process, with standby queues available for those who don’t receive reservations.

D23 2026 Hours, Entry, and Reservation Details Revealed

D23 2026 Hours, Entry, and Reservation Details Revealed

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/d23-the-ultimate-disney-fan-event-2026-in-anaheim.986617/unread

 

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D23 2026 Disney Parks and Experiences Showcase: Date, Time, and What's Coming​

For theme park fans, the highlight of D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event 2026 is the Disney Experiences Showcase on Saturday, August 15, at 7pm PT at the Honda Center in Anaheim.

D23 2026 Disney Parks and Experiences Showcase: Date, Time, and What's Coming

D23 2026 Disney Parks and Experiences Showcase: Date, Time, and What's Coming

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/d23-the-ultimate-disney-fan-event-2026-in-anaheim.986617/unread