NEWS HUB Latest Disney News from WDWMAGIC

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Southwest Airlines to Introduce Checked Bag Fees Starting May 28, 2025​

Southwest Airlines will introduce checked bag fees starting May 28, 2025, ending its long-standing “bags fly free” policy. The airline will also adjust its loyalty program, introduce a new Basic fare, and implement flight credit expiration dates.

Southwest Airlines to Introduce Checked Bag Fees Starting May 28, 2025

Southwest Airlines to Introduce Checked Bag Fees Starting May 28, 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...checked-bag-fees-starting-may-28-2025.985721/

 

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EPCOT Closing Early at 5:30 pm in May 2025 for Private Park Buyout​

EPCOT will close early at 5:30 pm on May 21, 2025, to accommodate a private event buyout for the 2025 SAP Sapphire & ASUG Annual Conference Orlando.

EPCOT Closing Early at 5:30 pm in May 2025 for Private Park Buyout

EPCOT Closing Early at 5:30 pm in May 2025 for Private Park Buyout

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/epcot-closing-early-on-may-21-2025.985722/unread

 

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STK Orlando Under Construction at Disney Springs: Outdoor Terrace to Become Indoor Dining Space​

STK Orlando at Disney Springs is undergoing a renovation to enclose its upper-level outdoor terrace, transforming it into an indoor dining space. The restaurant remains open during the construction.

STK Orlando Under Construction at Disney Springs: Outdoor Terrace to Become Indoor Dining Space

STK Orlando Under Construction at Disney Springs: Outdoor Terrace to Become Indoor Dining Space

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...e-to-become-indoor-dining-space.985725/unread

 

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Disney Files Permit for Tree of Life Infrastructure Modifications with Cryogenic Contractor​

Disney has filed a permit for infrastructure modifications at the Tree of Life Theater for the upcoming Zootopia: Better Zoogether! attraction. The work may involve decommissioning or modifying the existing cryogenic fog system used in the current show, “It’s Tough to be a Bug!”.

Disney Files Permit for Tree of Life Infrastructure Modifications with Cryogenic Contractor

Disney Files Permit for Tree of Life Infrastructure Modifications with Cryogenic Contractor

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ed-for-the-tree-of-life-theater.981957/unread

 

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EPCOT and Disney Springs Leadership Shakeup: New Vice Presidents Announced​

Walt Disney World is making several leadership changes, including new Vice Presidents for EPCOT and Disney Springs.

EPCOT and Disney Springs Leadership Shakeup: New Vice Presidents Announced

EPCOT and Disney Springs Leadership Shakeup: New Vice Presidents Announced

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...p-new-vice-presidents-announced.985728/unread

 

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Disney's Blizzard Beach Extends Operating Hours for Spring Break 2025​

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will extend its operating hours by one hour daily from March 23rd to March 29th, 2025

Disney's Blizzard Beach Extends Operating Hours for Spring Break 2025

Disney's Blizzard Beach Extends Operating Hours for Spring Break 2025

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

 

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Magic Kingdom's Train Station Refurbishment: More Walls Removed, Work Continues​

Refurbishment work continues at Magic Kingdom’s Train Station, with progress including the removal of construction walls and replacement of upper-level concrete flooring. The train station remains operational despite the ongoing work.

Magic Kingdom's Train Station Refurbishment: More Walls Removed, Work Continues

Magic Kingdom's Train Station Refurbishment: More Walls Removed, Work Continues

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...tion-refurbishment-january-2025.985393/unread

 

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Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom: Late March 2025 Events Reach Capacity​

ey After Hours events at Magic Kingdom on March 17 and 24, 2025 are sold out. The events offer shorter wait times and complimentary snacks from 10 pm to 1 am.

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom: Late March 2025 Events Reach Capacity

Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom: Late March 2025 Events Reach Capacity

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

 

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Takumi-Tei Adds More Affordable 4-Course Omakase Menu for a Limited Time​

Takumi-Tei at EPCOT’s Japan Pavilion is offering a new 4-course “Semi” Omakase menu for a limited time. The menu, priced at $150, provides a more affordable option for guests to experience the restaurant’s signature dining experience.

Takumi-Tei Adds More Affordable 4-Course Omakase Menu for a Limited Time

Takumi-Tei Adds More Affordable 4-Course Omakase Menu for a Limited Time

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ter-4-course-omakase-experience.985711/unread

 

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First Look at 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Merchandise​

The 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend merchandise features Disney heroes on race shirts and other items. The event will take place from April 3-6 at Walt Disney World Resort.

First Look at 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Merchandise

First Look at 2025 runDisney Springtime Surprise Weekend Merchandise

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/rundisney-springtime-surprise-weekend.973822/unread

 

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Gran Fiesta Tour Reopens at EPCOT with Upgraded Lighting, Audio, and Visual Effects​

Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros at EPCOT has reopened with enhanced lighting, new projectors, and an upgraded audio system.

Gran Fiesta Tour Reopens at EPCOT with Upgraded Lighting, Audio, and Visual Effects

Gran Fiesta Tour Reopens at EPCOT with Upgraded Lighting, Audio, and Visual Effects

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...rbishment-in-early-january-2025.985238/unread

 

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Walt Disney World Area Faces Elevated Wildfire Risk with Fire Weather Watch on March 17​

The National Weather Service issued a Fire Weather Watch for March 17th due to strong winds and low humidity, increasing the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires in Central Florida, including Walt Disney World. Visitors should avoid outdoor burning and stay informed about potential weather updates.

Walt Disney World Area Faces Elevated Wildfire Risk with Fire Weather Watch on March 17

Walt Disney World Area Faces Elevated Wildfire Risk with Fire Weather Watch on March 17

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...weather-watch-for-march-17-2025.985756/unread

 

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Walt Disney World Area Under Red Flag Warning: High Fire Danger Expected​

A Red Flag Warning is issued for the Walt Disney World area due to high fire danger caused by dry conditions and strong winds.

Walt Disney World Area Under Red Flag Warning: High Fire Danger Expected

Walt Disney World Area Under Red Flag Warning: High Fire Danger Expected

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...weather-watch-for-march-17-2025.985756/unread

 

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Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out at All Four Disney World Parks Today​

The Lightning Lane Premier Pass sold out at all four Disney World parks on March 17, 2025, driven by early spring break crowds and increased reliance on the pass. Non-resort guests face challenges in purchasing Premier Pass due to limited availability, while Magic Kingdom prices are expected to reach $449 on busier days. Continued sell-outs are likely as spring break crowds persist.

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out at All Four Disney World Parks Today

Lightning Lane Premier Pass Sells Out at All Four Disney World Parks Today

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

 

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Guide Map Updated with Closure of 'It's Tough to Be a Bug' and DinoLand U.S.A.'s Final Year​

Disney’s Animal Kingdom has updated its guide map, reflecting the permanent closure of “It’s Tough to Be a Bug!” and the upcoming transformation of DinoLand U.S.A. into Tropical Americas. The map also confirms the continued operation of DINOSAUR and the Boneyard play area through 2025.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Guide Map Updated with Closure of 'It's Tough to Be a Bug' and DinoLand U.S.A.'s Final Year

Disney's Animal Kingdom Guide Map Updated with Closure of 'It's Tough to Be a Bug' and DinoLand U.S.A.'s Final Year

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ed-for-the-tree-of-life-theater.981957/unread

 

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It's Tough to be a Bug! Now Closed at Disney's Animal Kingdom - Entrance Marquee Removed​

“It’s Tough to be a Bug!” has permanently closed at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with its marquee removed and the theater undergoing renovations for the upcoming “Zootopia: Better Zoogether!” attraction. Guests can still explore the Tree of Life Gardens while construction begins.

It's Tough to be a Bug! Now Closed at Disney's Animal Kingdom - Entrance Marquee Removed

It's Tough to be a Bug! Now Closed at Disney's Animal Kingdom - Entrance Marquee Removed

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...ed-for-the-tree-of-life-theater.981957/unread

 

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GEO-82 Spaceship Earth Lounge Coming to EPCOT: Exclusive Adults-Only Experience Opens in 2025​

EPCOT’s new GEO-82 Spaceship Earth Lounge, opening in 2025, will offer an adults-only experience with innovative cocktails, globally inspired small plates, and scenic park views. Reservations are required.

GEO-82 Spaceship Earth Lounge Coming to EPCOT: Exclusive Adults-Only Experience Opens Spring 2025

GEO-82 Spaceship Earth Lounge Coming to EPCOT: Exclusive Adults-Only Experience Opens Spring 2025

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/new-spaceship-earth-lounge-coming-to-epcot.984444/unread

 

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Test Track at EPCOT Begins Daytime Ride Testing Ahead of Summer 2025 Opening​

Test Track at EPCOT has begun daytime ride testing, marking significant progress towards its reopening in late Summer 2025. The reimagined attraction will feature new show scenes and interactive elements showcasing GM’s technological innovations.

Test Track at EPCOT Begins Daytime Ride Testing Ahead of Summer 2025 Opening

Test Track at EPCOT Begins Daytime Ride Testing Ahead of Summer 2025 Opening

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

 

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McKim's Mile House DVC Lounge Officially Opens Today at Magic Kingdom​

McKim’s Mile House, the new Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Member lounge in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom, officially opens today. The lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary soft drinks, Wi-Fi, and charging cords, as well as on-site DVC Member Services Advisors.

McKim's Mile House DVC Lounge Officially Opens Today at Magic Kingdom

McKim's Mile House DVC Lounge Officially Opens Today at Magic Kingdom

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...nge-coming-to-walt-disney-world.982785/unread

 

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Magic Kingdom's Plaza Restaurant Refurbishment Complete as Scrims and Walls Come Down​

Magic Kingdom’s Plaza Restaurant has completed its exterior refurbishment, with scrims and construction barriers removed.

Magic Kingdom's Plaza Restaurant Refurbishment Complete as Scrims and Walls Come Down

Magic Kingdom's Plaza Restaurant Refurbishment Complete as Scrims and Walls Come Down

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Discussion - https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads...bishment-walls-at-magic-kingdom.984083/unread