Author: waltdisneynews

Listen to Space Mountain Soundscape from Disney Parks Around the Globe

Listen to the Space Mountain Soundscape Now on YouTube Blast off into space with the latest addition to the Disney Parks Music & Ambience playlist – a dedicated Space Mountain Soundscape. This immersive audio experience, now available on the official Disney Parks YouTube channel, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the beloved attraction. Related – Space Mountain Illuminated in Gold for 50th Anniversary Enjoy nearly an hour of thrilling soundscapes from Space Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. Whether you’re working, relaxing, or simply dreaming of a visit to the park, this video is an out-of-this-world way to experience the magic of Space Mountain from home. The video, titled ‘Space Mountain Soundscape,’ presents an audio journey through the attraction’s various incarnations, encompassing Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom, Disneyland Park, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain at Disneyland Paris, and Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain at Hong Kong Disneyland. You can watch/listen to the video below:

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Former Streets of America Structure May Be Reused for Monsters Inc. Land

While visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios on a cold and rainy morning, we noticed something interesting over in the Muppets Courtyard area of the park. To provide a little bit more context, let’s turn the clock back to 2015. The Summer of 2015 saw the announcement that a Star Wars Land would be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (and Disneyland) and that the Streets of America would need to close to be replaced by the new Star Wars spaceport. Streets of America Apartments Facade Tucked away in the corner of the San Francisco section of the Streets of America was a rundown apartment building. That served as the backdrop for a Phineas and Ferb meet and greet in its closing years. Here’s a closer look. The meet and greet location closed in early 2016, before the rest of the Streets of America, and then kind of sat dormant for a while. Here’s a look at the facade from April 2016, shortly after the construction walls were installed for the Streets of America demolition project. Some 8 years after the construction walls were installed, we noticed movement on this particular facade. At the time, it seemed like it would be demolished. The theming was stripped off of the steel structure, and it was likely just a matter of time before the whole thing was removed. Over time, we saw the scrim that was covering the structure removed, as seen in

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Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Race Themes Revealed for 2025

Get Ready for Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend Get ready to run with your stomach! RunDisney has revealed the mouthwatering race themes for the 2025 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend at Walt Disney World Resort. From savory bites to sweet delights, each race celebrates a different daytime culinary experience. The weekend lineup includes a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and the challenging Two Course Challenge. Expect to see vibrant key art for each race, featuring iconic Disney characters indulging in their favorite foods. Related – First Look at 2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend Merch Disney Wine & Dine 5K On October 24, celebrate the most important meal of the day as Mushu and Mulan rise up and you get down to business during a 3.1-mile breakfast-themed fun run. Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration February 4, 2025. General Registration opens February 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET. Disney Wine & Dine 10K Some meals are worth melting for. So on October 25, enjoy some midday magic as Olaf hosts 6.2 miles of lunch-themed excitement. Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration February 4, 2025. General Registration opens February 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET. Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon On October 26, commemorate the charm of carbs…and of Lady and Tramp…over 13.1 miles of dinner-themed delight. Club runDisney Gold and Platinum Registration begins February 4, 2025. General Registration opens February 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET. Disney Two Course Challenge Our dessert-themed challenge (made

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Magic Key Lunar New Year Button Featuring Juju Now Available

Disney California Adventure is currently celebrating the Year of the Snake and its Magic Key holders by distributing a special keepsake button during the Lunar New Year Celebration. The button has a red background with lanterns and medallions. The featured snake is Juju from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Right above Juju is the Magic Key logo with Disneyland written underneath. Below the snake, Lunar New Year 2025 is written. The button’s design resembles this year’s Lunar New Year merchandise, and was designed especially for Magic Key holders by Disney artist, Ann Shen. Shen has also designed buttons for the event in the past. The complimentary button is available for pickup with presentation of a Magic Key pass under Silly Symphony Swings in Paradise Gardens Park from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day, while supplies last. Magic Key holders can also expect to find a unique and festive photo opportunity in the same location to commemorate Lunar New Year. Additional Magic Key holder offerings include a specially-priced Sip and Savor Pass with commemorative lanyard. This year’s Sip and Savor pass is $45 with the Magic Key discount and $48 without. The pass can be used for six food and nonalcoholic beverages at multiple locations around the park. There is also a Magic Key exclusive t-shirt for the celebration. Check out our full Lunar New Year merchandise breakdown here. Lunar New

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Trump Makes Executive Order, Pushing Disney Towards Major Policy Reversal

Recent political developments have reignited a debate among Disney fans and parkgoers regarding the company’s approach to inclusive language. Following a recent executive order by former President Donald Trump, which reaffirms the “biological reality of two sexes” and defines “male” and “female” in federal policy, some guests are urging Disney to restore gendered language in its parks and entertainment. Related: Disney Removes Gender-Specific Pronouns and Language In Parks Credit: Haydn Blackey, Flickr A Shift in Disney’s Language Policies In recent years, Disney has taken steps to foster a more inclusive environment by removing gendered phrases from its parks and entertainment offerings. This included the decision to replace the iconic greeting “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” with a more neutral “Good evening, dreamers of all ages.” in park announcements. Similarly, Disney cast members now refer to guests as “friends” rather than using terms like “sir” or “ma’am.” The changes were part of Disney’s broader diversity and inclusion initiative, aimed at creating a welcoming environment for all guests regardless of gender identity. However, the removal of these traditional greetings has sparked mixed reactions among fans and visitors. Guests Voice Their Opinions The recent executive order has emboldened some Disney guests to call for the reinstatement of gendered language, arguing that the traditional phrases were part of Disney’s charm and legacy. Social media platforms have seen an uptick in discussions on the topic, with opinions divided. Hey @DisneyParks bring back “ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls” you bunch

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Disney Completely Closes Off Portion of ‘Star Wars’ Ride

Disney World is constantly evolving, and as we move into 2025, guests can expect some exciting changes across the parks. One of the recent updates at Disney’s Hollywood Studios involves Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where the park had been testing a modified single-rider line. The temporary change allowed groups of two to use the single-rider queue, providing a more efficient way for pairs to experience the attraction without waiting in the standard line. However, Disney has now ended the test, reverting the single-rider line back to its original purpose—serving solo guests looking to bypass the regular wait. Credit: Disney / Canva Smugglers Run, located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, offers guests a thrilling opportunity to pilot the legendary Millennium Falcon. Riders are assigned roles such as pilot, engineer, or gunner, creating an interactive experience that changes with each ride. The decision to discontinue the two-person single-rider option might impact those hoping to cut down on wait times with a companion, but Disney is always exploring new ways to improve guest flow and efficiency. Looking ahead to 2025, several closures and refurbishments are shaping the guest experience at Disney World. Over at EPCOT, Test Track is currently closed for an extensive reimagining. The beloved attraction, known for its high-speed thrills and futuristic design, is undergoing a major overhaul to bring a fresh, updated experience to guests. While Disney has yet to announce a reopening date, fans are eager to see what new technology and storytelling elements will be

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Universal Orlando’s First Epic Universe Area Resort Hotel, Stella Nova, Now Open

The first of three planned Epic Universe area hotels is now open at Universal Orlando Resort. Stella Nova, a space-themed hotel, is now open to the public ahead of the May 22nd opening of Epic Universe. While only Helios Grand is directly attached to Epic Universe, Stella Nova and the next-to-open Terra Luna hotels are considered Epic Universe adjacent, offering a walking path to Epic Universe when the theme park opens this Summer. Here’s a look at Stella Nova! Stella Nova Resort at Universal Orlando Universal Orlando Resort’s newest hotel, Universal Stella Nova Resort, is now officially open – transporting guests to the center of marvelous galaxies for a resort experience unlike anywhere else in the universe. Brought to life by the award-winning Universal Creative team and co-owned and operated by Loews Hotels & Co, the new hotel joins Universal Orlando’s current collection of magnificently themed hotels and offers 750 rooms, cosmic-inspired dining options and out-of-this-world amenities. Designed to reflect the infinite vastness of the universe, Stella Nova Resort’s guest rooms comfortably sleep up to four guests in two queen beds and feature space station-styled windows – making this the ultimate escape for guests looking to rest amongst the stars. The resort also offers a variety of unique dining options, including Cosmos Cafe and Market, Galaxy Bar and Galaxy Grill. Guests can also relax at the resort-style pool with a splash pad and fire pit, work out at the fitness center, unwind

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