Author: waltdisneynews

Disney Submits Updated Plans for Transformation of Rivers of America & More: Daily Recap (12/20/24)

More Play in the Park merchandise has arrived at Disney World, showtimes were announced for daytime Christmas entertainment at Magic Kingdom, and guests can now purchase VIP Tours merchandise — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Friday, December 20, 2024.Walt Disney WorldMagic KingdomWalt Disney World has submitted their updated plans for the transformation of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island at Magic Kingdom to the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), following the district’s Request for Additional Information (RAI).Walt Disney World has released the showtimes for two entertainment offerings normally exclusive to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party that will be offered during Christmas Week 2024: “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade” and “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks.”The Swiss Family Treehouse closed on November 18, 2024, for a planned 1-month-long refurbishment, but it is still closed despite Disney’s expected reopening date of December 20.Join Bryce for the latest photo report from Magic Kingdom.Disney’s Hollywood StudiosJoin Bryce for the latest photo report from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Walt Disney World Resort HotelsThe holiday season is in full swing at Walt Disney World Resort and Christmas decorations have arrived at the new DVC Island Tower.New MerchandiseEven more “Play in the Park” merchandise has arrived at Walt Disney World, including a new balloon pillow, rain jacket, Crocs, and more.Walt

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PHOTO REPORT: Disney’s Hollywood Studios 12/20/2024 (Galaxy’s Edge, Tower of Terror Art, and More)

Howdy! The weather is starting to get chilly again, unfortunately. I spent the morning in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there was Tower of Terror art available for purchase, Grogu and The Mandalorian were out meeting guests, and I even park-hopped to Magic Kingdom. Good Morning from Hollywood StudiosI usually choose the wrong line to enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios, today is no different. It was only about ten minutes until I got inside. The Oscar truck has returned after a lengthy refurbishment. Holiday Decor in Hollywood StudiosI am an absolute fan of the Hollywood Studios holiday decor. Santa Gertie, the pups, the elves, and the deer are my mid-century modern holiday dream. If I could live in this world permanently I would in a heartbeat.Muppets CourtyardMuppets Courtyard has turned into a place of contemplation. The news that the Muppets will be leaving for Monstropolis has hit every Disney fan a little hard, but there is hope that Muppet Vision 3D will return one day in some capacity. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more updates. Galaxy’s EdgeThe Mandalorian and Grogu were out visiting guests in Batuu this morning. I also noticed that the coordinators in Galaxy’s Edge have new coordinator pins that fit the land much better than the typical pin you see

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Disney’s Old Key West Resort

Disney’s Old Key West Resort is inspired by the beauty of the Florida Keys! This resort has multiple pools, a Sauna shaped like a lighthouse, casual dining, a tranquil atmosphere, and endless amenities and room types to choose from based on how many guests are in your party. Amenities at Disney’s Old Key West Resort Complimentary bus transportation Complimentary boat transportation Disney signature services Housekeeping services Mail Services Laundry and Dry cleaning services Designated Smoking areas Banking and ATM Online Check in Parking Complimentary WiFi and Internet Minnie Van services In-room Floral and Gifts Recreation at Disney’s Old Key West Resort 4 pools including 3 leisure pools and a the Sandcastle Pool with a Lighthouse Sauna, hot tub, kid pool, and a 125 ft Waterslide Old Key West Campfire Activities nightly (weather permitting) 5:30-6:30 – roasting marshmallows around a campfire located at the end of Turtle Krawl Movies under the Stars: Watch your favorite Disney films at The Sandcastle Pool at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays Conch Flats Community Hall: Complimentary games – foosball, pool, video games, ping pong, and shuffleboard. You can also check out equipment for tennis, volleyball, and basketball Old Key West Exercise Room: Fitness facility containing state-of-the-art strength training equipment Bike rentals and Fishing A 1.37 mile long jogging trail An array of sports to play including Tennis, Pickle-ball, Basketball, and Volleyball Playgrounds – there are 3 playgrounds located throughout Old Key West

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Universal Orlando Debuts New Digital Parking Garage Signs

Universal Orlando Resort has new digital signs pointing from the security area to different parking garage sections.New Universal Parking Garage SignsThe signs hang above the walkways leading to the resort’s two parking garages. They have oval-shaped silver bases with the Universal Orlando Resort globe logo at the bottom.The screens display the icons, colors, and names of the three sections for that respective garage. The sign pictured above points to the blue “Jaws” section, yellow “King Kong” section, and red “Jurassic Park” section.Before, the signs were rectangles but displayed the same icons, colors, and names. The switch to digital means the signs will be more visible at night and Universal can easily make changes if need be, including adding additional information.The “Jaws,” “King Kong,” and “Jurassic Park” sections are also now listed in a different order, likely to better reflect their positions in the garage. On the “Jurassic Park” part of the sign, ride share and pick-up/drop-off are also listed.The other three parking garage sections are purple Spider-Man, red Cat in the Hat, and green E.T. They’re listed in the same order as before.The signs have digital screens on their reverse sides, too, which advertise different park offerings. This one said displayed a picture of the

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QuestionIndiana Jones Adventure previous refurb dates?

I’m a long-time fan of the attraction and I need help trying to find particular months and dates of refurbs for this attraction, does anyone have any dates that go back from 2007 to 2012? (Before the 3-month refurb, which was from September 4th to December 7th of 2012) I know this might not be possible, but I would appreciate the help! From 2007 I think the attraction closed somewhere in the middle of the year for either a two-month fix or maybe 3 months, I am not sure. The reason why I am asking for a particular date is to understand when some issues or the introduction of new enhancements began. I accidentally put the tags into the reason for editing the post bar. It’s my first time, sorry.

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Walt Disney World Now Selling Exclusive VIP Tours Merchandise

Walt Disney World now has exclusive VIP Tours merchandise for sale, including a Minnie ear headband, Loungefly backpack, and more.Walt Disney World VIP Tours MerchandiseSource: @philanderc85 on InstagramVIP Tour Guide Philander (@philanderc85 on Instagram) shared photos of the new VIP Tours merchandise, which has been in the works for two years. On the day of their VIP Tour, guests can purchase merchandise that features the iconic plaid pattern worn by VIP Tour Guides. Purchases are limited to one item per guest on tour, while supplies last. No discounts are available.Pin Set – $160The set includes four pins, each featuring the VIP Tours logo at the top with red jewels lining the edge. Each pin also showcases a character in front of each of the four park icons: Tinker Bell flying in front of Cinderella Castle, Sorcerer Mickey in front of Tower of Terror, Simba lying in front of the Tree of Life, and Figment sitting in front of Spaceship Earth. The set also includes a metal Disney VIP Tours charm to hang from your lanyard. The box features a window in a plaid lid to display the pins.Loungefly Backpack – $105The Loungefly backpack is mostly black pleather with a debossed Mickey icon all-over pattern. The front pocket is plaid with a VIP Tours plaque

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Walt Disney Company only Studio to make $2 Billion in 2024

Walt Disney Company only Studio to make $2 Billion in 2024 Box office figures indicate that Walt Disney Company has reclaimed its position as a dominant force in Hollywood. This success is attributed to the combined revenue generated by Disney Studios, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. Related – Walt Disney Company Earns 35 Golden Globe Nominations This marks the second time since 2019 that Disney has surpassed the $2 billion box office milestone. Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” has made a substantial impact, achieving the 11th highest-grossing film status in the U.S. and solidifying its position as the top-grossing animated film domestically. The film’s popularity was evident from the start, boasting the second-largest opening weekend for an animated film in history. Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated Deadpool & Wolverine currently ranks second among the highest-grossing films of 2024 and holds the twelfth position in U.S. box office earnings. Moana 2 has also achieved significant success, ranking fifth among the highest-grossing films of 2024, despite a mixed reception from some fans. Disney’s 20th Century Studios has also seen significant success with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and Alien: Romulus. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes has grossed an impressive $171 million domestically, while Alien: Romulus has earned $105 million. Source

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New Disneyland Turnstiles Open for ‘Pre-Launch,’ Officially Opening in 2025

New Disneyland Turnstiles Open for ‘Pre-Launch,’ Officially Opening in 2025 Disneyland began a limited trial run of its innovative new entrance turnstiles (tapstyles) on Tuesday. A full-scale launch with all features operational is scheduled for early 2025. Related – Disney to Update Entry Gates for Disneyland and California Adventure Disney began upgrading its entrance gates in December 2023 with the filing of necessary permits. Construction commenced at Disney California Adventure in early 2024, followed by Disneyland in the fall. While some gates at Disney California Adventure were completed earlier, only the new Disneyland Park gates are currently open to guests. The term ‘tapstiles’ is a blend of ‘tap’ and ‘turnstiles,’ reflecting the shift from traditional turnstiles to the new tap-based technology. As reported by Scott Gustin, the gates are currently in a pre-launch phase, with full functionality expected early next year. During this period, Cast Members are stationed at the tapstiles to manually scan tickets and capture guest photos using tablets, mirroring the current process at the existing gates. Disneyland Resort previously tested a facial recognition entry system at Disney California Adventure in March 2024. While this technology is not currently in use, the new gates appear to be designed for future implementation of facial recognition. The presence of screens with built-in cameras mounted on the tapstiles suggests this possibility. When activated, the screens on the Disneyland Park gates showcase a vibrant icon of Sleeping Beauty Castle. When inactive, a playful image of Mickey Mouse with a

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Missing Alioramus Returns to DINOSAUR Attraction With Restored Range of Motion

The Alioramus is back, which means that the DINOSAUR attraction is not going down without a fight! As we first reported, the Alioramus went missing a few months ago as the DINOSAUR attraction appeared to be limping across the eventual finish line. The attraction certainly had seen better days, but there has been a resurgence in maintenance during the last 6-8 months or so, leading to the attraction looking better than it has in years. Let’s head out to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to welcome the Alioramus back, and take a look at the impressive restored range of motion! Alioramus Returns to DINOSAUR Attraction with Restored Range of Motion The Alioramus is the carnivorous dino that couldn’t be less bothered by the presence of our Time Rover. We see the Alioramus early in the ride, snacking on a smaller dinosaur on the right hand side of our vehicle. The return of the Alioramus is not only encouraging in that Walt Disney World is showing that they will try to keep the dinosaurs in place as we approach the attraction’s extinction event, but it also represents an effort to restore effects that have been broken for years. In the file photo below, we can see the Alioramus from 2023 in a horizontal position. This was as high as the dino would lift its head. In more recent times, it didn’t even lift its head to horizontal, making it look like he was choking on his meal instead

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