Author: waltdisneynews

As the scent of wood-fired pizza and espresso floats through EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, a far more bitter story is simmering just beneath the surface. The Patina Group, operator of several high-profile restaurants across Walt Disney World, is facing increasing pressure from its unionized workforce—and now, a newly reported incident may have just turned up the heat. Credit: Inside the Magic In recent weeks, union representatives from UNITE HERE Local 737 announced a strike vote among Patina Group employees, a bold move that could lead to the first-ever strike inside a Disney World theme park. But now, that growing conflict has taken a more personal and troubling turn, as the union claims one of its organizers was physically pushed by a manager inside a working EPCOT restaurant. The altercation, which allegedly occurred inside Tutto Italia Ristorante, is only the latest development in what has become a heated dispute between workers, their parent company, and—by proximity and reputation—The Walt Disney Company itself. Patina Group: Disney’s Culinary Power Player Credit: Brittany DiCologero, Inside the Magic For the average Disney guest, the name “Patina Group” might not ring any bells. But this hospitality group, a subsidiary of Delaware North, has its fingerprints all over the Disney dining landscape. Patina operates some of the most visible and unique restaurants throughout both EPCOT and Disney Springs. At EPCOT’s Italy Pavilion, Patina

Universal Studios might be gearing up for a historic expansion that will leave Disney in the dust. Here’s what we know about this new document showcasing some exciting new additions to this theme park giant. Credit: Universal Universal Studios Preparing for Monumental Expansion It starts with a jolt: whispers of a massive transformation at Universal Studios Hollywood. Theme park insiders claim that brand-new maps have leaked online, hinting at something far bigger than just a seasonal event or small update. Fans are buzzing, speculating that Universal might be preparing to add multiple attractions, new shows, and even two brand-new resort hotels. The excitement feels electric, but also mysterious. Universal has not officially confirmed a single detail, which means the community is caught in the sweet spot between rumor and reality. For some fans, that’s the most thrilling part—dreaming about what could be just around the corner. So, what do these new documents really suggest? And more importantly, what would this expansion mean for guests planning their trips in the coming years? Let’s break down what’s being whispered, what fans are hoping for, and how you can prepare if even half of this speculation comes true. Credit: Inside The Magic What’s New: The Leaked Expansion Plans According to newly surfaced documentation, Universal Studios Hollywood may be preparing to add five or more new attractions, ranging from shows to ride

There was a time when EPCOT felt like the most magical park for adults. It wasn’t just about the rides or the futuristic touches—it was about strolling the World Showcase, tasting dishes you couldn’t find anywhere else, and leaving with a feeling that Disney had brought the entire world to Orlando. Lately, some guests have started to whisper the same thing: EPCOT doesn’t feel like it used to. Something feels… watered down. It’s like Disney is trying to take the easy way out, and guests are noticing. Credit: Disney EPCOT and Its Core Attractions Of course, EPCOT still offers some of the best attractions across Walt Disney World. Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is a blockbuster coaster. Frozen Ever After continues pulling long lines in Norway, and Test Track (currently under refurbishment for its next big version) has long been a thrill ride staple. Even classics like Spaceship Earth, Living with the Land, and Soarin’ Around the World give guests plenty to enjoy. However, ask frequent visitors what defines EPCOT, and the rides rarely come up first. Credit: Disney Why Food Matters at EPCOT What truly sets EPCOT apart from the other parks is its cultural immersion. The World Showcase isn’t just a series of pavilions—it’s a culinary passport. Food booths, from sushi rolls in Japan to bratwursts in Germany, are more than snacks; they’re storytelling devices. They represent heritage, pride, and authenticity, which is why booths have always been such a big deal. They’re not just

On September 2, 2025, Walt Disney World Resort announced that DinoLand U.S.A. would close permanently on February 2, 2026. This includes the DINOSAUR attraction, several character meet-and-greets, and the land’s two Quick Service restaurants: Trilo-Bites and Restaurantosaurus. Hours after announcing these closures, Disney surprised fans by announcing a third restaurant closure at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Credit: Disney Parks Blog The phased closure of DinoLand U.S.A. began in January 2025, with the permanent shutdown of TriceraTop Spin, Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures, and Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama (including the Fossil Fun Games). Then, on September 1, The Boneyard play area welcomed young paleontologists for the final time. Now, we know that the rest of DinoLand U.S.A. will officially go extinct on February 2, 2026. At D23 Expo 2024, Walt Disney Imagineering announced plans to replace DinoLand U.S.A.–an opening-day land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park–with a Tropical Americas-themed land called Pueblo Esperanza. The area will feature two Encanto (2021) attractions and an Indiana Jones retheme of DINOSAUR. On Tuesday, Walt Disney World Resort officially confirmed that the new land will debut in 2027. Credit: Disney Disney also revealed that after Restaurantosaurus closes, another Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park restaurant will revamp its menu to compensate for the loss of the family-friendly Quick Service dining location. According to Walt Disney World Resort’s website, Harambe Market, a Quick Service restaurant in Africa, will close in winter 2025 for a refurbishment before introducing a more hamburger- and chicken-nugget-centered menu in early

When you think of a Disney classic brought to life in the parks, the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train usually makes the list. Since opening in 2014, this family-friendly coaster has been one of Magic Kingdom’s biggest draws. Guests love its smooth ride system, swinging mine cars, and, of course, the whimsical animatronics of the dwarves hard at work in their jewel-filled mine. Whether you hop in line during Early Entry or snag a coveted Lightning Lane, the attraction is considered a must-do for Disney World visitors. Credit: Jeremy Simpson, Flickr But sometimes, even the most magical rides hit a snag. And in this case, the hiccup was more eerie than enchanting. A Creepy Surprise in the Mine Recently, guests boarding the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train got an unexpected—and rather unsettling—show inside the Seven Dwarfs’ mine. The scene, usually filled with lively dwarves singing and working, felt a bit off when Dopey—the first dwarf to greet riders—suffered a malfunction. Instead of his usual cheerful sparkle, the animatronic looked strangely frozen, his diamond eyes stuck in an unusual way. Other dwarves carried on with their duties without a hitch, but Dopey’s “case of the Mondays,” as one fan jokingly described it, gave the entire scene a slightly creepy vibe. For a ride that’s supposed to leave guests smiling, it instead left many whispering to each other as their train sped along. Credit: Disney