NEWS HUB Latest Disney News from WDWMAGIC

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EPCOT's Manatee Exhibit Reopens with New Residents and Shifts to Short-Term Rehabilitation​

EPCOT’s manatee exhibit has reopened with two new residents, Cider and Mino, as part of a new short-term rehabilitation program. The program, in partnership with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, aims to provide temporary care for manatees recovering from life-threatening conditions before releasing them back into the wild. This shift helps relieve pressure on overcrowded facilities and supports conservation efforts for Florida’s endangered manatee population.

EPCOT's Manatee Exhibit Reopens with New Residents and Shifts to Short-Term Rehabilitation

EPCOT's Manatee Exhibit Reopens with New Residents and Shifts to Short-Term Rehabilitation

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...hins-being-relocated-from-epcot.984687/unread

 

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Watch: Jalen Hurts Leads Super Bowl Victory Parade at Disney World's Magic Kingdom​

Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts is celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles’ 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX with a victory parade at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom

Watch: Jalen Hurts Leads Super Bowl Victory Parade at Disney World's Magic Kingdom

Watch: Jalen Hurts Leads Super Bowl Victory Parade at Disney World's Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...c-kingdom-parade-on-february-10.985545/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom Rides Back Open After Widespread Shutdown Last Night​

Magic Kingdom rides are back open after a widespread shutdown caused by technical issues with the park’s compressed air system. The shutdown affected several major rides, including Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Magic Kingdom Rides Back Open After Widespread Shutdown Last Night

Magic Kingdom Rides Back Open After Widespread Shutdown Last Night

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...down-impacting-most-of-the-park.985569/unread

 

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Bakso the Tiger Cub Has the Longest Wait at Animal Kingdom - Here's How to See Him​

Bakso, the Sumatran tiger cub at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, attracts large crowds, causing long wait times. For the best chance to see Bakso, arrive after 1 pm when the queue is shorter and the viewing area is less crowded.

Bakso the Tiger Cub Has the Longest Wait at Animal Kingdom - Here's How to See Him

Bakso the Tiger Cub Has the Longest Wait at Animal Kingdom - Here's How to See Him

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...dition-to-maharajah-jungle-trek.979329/unread

 

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New Additions Announced for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2025​

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival returns in 2025 with new topiaries, expanded photo opportunities, and a nautically themed play area. New outdoor kitchens, merchandise, and a garden inspired by Inside Out 2 will also be featured.

New Additions Announced for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2025

New Additions Announced for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/epcot-flower-and-garden-festival-2025.985234/unread

 

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Report: Disney Restructuring DEI Initiatives, Removing Auto-Play Content Warnings on Disney+​

Disney is restructuring its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, prioritizing business performance and entertainment over political debates. Changes include rebranding DEI initiatives, modifying content advisories on Disney+, and shifting executive evaluations to focus on talent contributions to business success.

Report: Disney Restructuring DEI Initiatives, Removing Auto-Play Content Warnings on Disney+

Report: Disney Restructuring DEI Initiatives, Removing Auto-Play Content Warnings on Disney+

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Magic Kingdom's Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out for Nine Consecutive Days​

Magic Kingdom’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass has sold out for nine consecutive days, including non-holiday dates, indicating growing demand. This trend, with prices ranging from $329 to $399, suggests a shift in purchasing behavior and potential price adjustments by Disney.

Magic Kingdom's Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out for Nine Consecutive Days

Magic Kingdom's Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out for Nine Consecutive Days

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

 

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Walt Disney World Extends Park Hours for Late February and Early March 2025​

Walt Disney World has announced extended park hours for late February and early March 2025, including later closing times at Animal Kingdom and Magic Kingdom, and an earlier entry option at Magic Kingdom on March 1st. Updated park hours are available through April 24th, 2025.

Walt Disney World Extends Park Hours for Late February and Early March 2025

Walt Disney World Extends Park Hours for Late February and Early March 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/walt-disney-world-park-hours-update.982308/unread

 

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First Topiaries Installed for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2025​

Preparations for the 2025 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival are underway, with topiaries of Troll, Pandas, Bambi, and Goofy already installed. More topiaries and garden displays will be added in the coming weeks before the festival’s March 5 opening day.

First Topiaries Installed for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2025

First Topiaries Installed for EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/epcot-flower-and-garden-festival-2025.985234/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom Park Reservations Maxed Out for Passholders on Valentine's Day 2025​

Annual Passholder park reservations for Magic Kingdom on Valentine’s Day 2025 are fully booked. Passholders can still enter the park after 2 pm or keep checking for availability.

Magic Kingdom Park Reservations Maxed Out for Passholders on Valentine's Day 2025

Magic Kingdom Park Reservations Maxed Out for Passholders on Valentine's Day 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...y-world-theme-park-reservations.965672/unread

 

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Stormalong Bay Drained as Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Undergoes Major Renovation​

Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resort is undergoing a major refurbishment, with work expected to continue through June 2025. The entire pool complex has been drained for resurfacing, structural repairs, and updates to the Shipwreck Slide and surrounding pool deck.

Stormalong Bay Drained as Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Undergoes Major Renovation

Stormalong Bay Drained as Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Undergoes Major Renovation

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...for-maintenance-in-january-2025.981803/unread

 

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Disney's Hollywood Studios Teases New Summer Shows with Villaintine's Giveaway​

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is celebrating its upcoming summer entertainment lineup with Villaintine’s cards and a new blog hub. The hub details two new live shows: Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Teases New Summer Shows with Villaintine's Giveaway

Disney's Hollywood Studios Teases New Summer Shows with Villaintine's Giveaway

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ollywood-studios-in-summer-2025.984642/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom Releases Spinning Prince Charming Regal Carousel Popcorn Bucket​

Magic Kingdom releases a new popcorn bucket inspired by the Prince Charming Regal Carousel. The bucket features a wind-up rotating carousel and the Sword in the Stone.

Magic Kingdom Releases Spinning Prince Charming Regal Carousel Popcorn Bucket

Magic Kingdom Releases Spinning Prince Charming Regal Carousel Popcorn Bucket

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...g-regal-carousel-popcorn-bucket.985580/unread

 

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EPCOT's Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out for the First Time in 2025​

EPCOT’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass sold out for February 15, 2025, marking the first sell-out of the year and a shift from previous availability. This, along with sell-outs at Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom, is attributed to Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day crowds, increased awareness of the Premier Pass, and EPCOT’s more affordable pricing. As sell-outs become more frequent, guests should expect earlier sell-outs and potential price adjustments.

EPCOT's Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out for the First Time in 2025

EPCOT's Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out for the First Time in 2025

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

 

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Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out at All Four Disney World Parks for the First Time in 2025​

For the first time in 2025, all four Disney World theme parks sold out their Lightning Lane Premier Passes for February 15th. This sell-out is attributed to holiday weekend crowds, increased awareness of the Premier Pass, and strategic pricing choices by guests. With this trend, future sell-outs on non-holiday weekends and potential price adjustments are expected.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out at All Four Disney World Parks for the First Time in 2025

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out at All Four Disney World Parks for the First Time in 2025

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

 

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Disney Launches Official Webpage for The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure​

Disney launches the official webpage for “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a reimagined stage show coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in summer 2025.

Disney Launches Official Webpage for The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure

Disney Launches Official Webpage for The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ow-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.982702/unread

 

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Test Track Construction Update: Fresh Paint on Exterior Track, Entrance Still Under Wraps​

Work continues on the new entrance area and exterior track sections at Test Track, with the attraction set to reopen in late 2025. New signage is expected soon.

Test Track Construction Update: Fresh Paint on Exterior Track, Entrance Still Under Wraps

Test Track Construction Update: Fresh Paint on Exterior Track, Entrance Still Under Wraps

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/test-track-to-be-reimagined.981955/unread

 

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DeSantis Reshapes Disney's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District with New Appointments​

Governor DeSantis appointed Alexis Yarbrough, John Gilbert, and Scott Workman to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), with Yarbrough as Chair. These appointments, pending Senate confirmation, replace two current board members whose terms expire in 2025. This move follows the dissolution of Reedy Creek and shifts control over Disney’s Central Florida district to the state.

DeSantis Reshapes Disney's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District with New Appointments

DeSantis Reshapes Disney's Central Florida Tourism Oversight District with New Appointments

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...rida-tourism-oversight-district.976968/unread

 

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Bats Exhibit Closing for Refurbishment​

The bats exhibit at Maharajah Jungle Trek in Disney’s Animal Kingdom will close for refurbishment starting February 17, 2025, and reopen in early March.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Bats Exhibit Closing for Refurbishment

Disney's Animal Kingdom Bats Exhibit Closing for Refurbishment

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...or-refurbishment-on-february-17.985586/unread

 

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Jellyrolls Sets Closing Date at Disney's BoardWalk in April 2025​

Jellyrolls, a popular dueling piano bar at Disney’s BoardWalk, will close on April 19, 2025, after nearly 30 years of entertaining guests. No details have been released regarding a replacement or potential reopening.

Jellyrolls Sets Closing Date at Disney's BoardWalk in April 2025

Jellyrolls Sets Closing Date at Disney's BoardWalk in April 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...-boardwalk-at-walt-disney-world.985523/unread