Category: InsideTheMagic

Universal Orlando Resort (UOR) has announced the sudden closure of one of its theme parks for at least 48 hours, and here’s why. Credit: @bioreconstruct on X Universal Orlando Resort Announces Closure of Theme Park: Will Be In Effect for at Least 48 Hours Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay waterpark will temporarily close on Thursday, November 21, and Friday, November 22, due to inclement weather approaching the area. While Tropical Storm Sara has bypassed Orlando, remnants of the system are expected to bring adverse weather conditions that could impact guest safety. The closure was announced on Universal Orlando Resort’s official X (formerly Twitter) account earlier today, citing guest safety as the primary concern. Volcano Bay, Universal’s immersive waterpark, is expected to reopen on Saturday, November 23, pending weather conditions. Credit: Inside The Magic Universal’s Statement on the Closure In a message shared on their social channels, UOR stated: Weather Update – Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22, due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels. – @UniversalORL on X Weather Update Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22, due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal Orlando’s social channels. — Universal Orlando Resort (@UniversalORL) November 20, 2024 The precautionary closure highlights Universal’s commitment to prioritizing

For nearly 100 years, The Walt Disney Company has been creating memorable short films, television shows, and movies. Over the years, movies like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Little Mermaid (1989), Frozen (2013), and Encanto (2021), have become the cornerstone of the company. Fans cannot get enough of the heart-warming tales, and they have largely become what Disney is known for. However, not every movie is a winner. Disney has had its fair share of flops over the years. Films like Wish (2023), Strange World (2022), Meet the Robinsons (2007), and Treasure Planet (2002) cost a lot of money to make but severely underperformed at the box office. Credit: Disney Related: 10 Underrated Disney Movie Flops That Deserved Much, Much More Live-action films, including The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (2010), John Carter (2012), The Lone Ranger (2013), A Wrinkle in Time (2018), and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) also tanked. When a movie does not do well, the odds of it getting a sequel are slim to none. And with all the budget cuts happening at Disney, it doesn’t seem to make sense for the studio to make a sequel film to a movie that didn’t do well in the first place. However, that is apparently exactly what is happening to one long-forgotten live-action film. Credit: Lucasfilm According to entertainment insider, Jeff Sneider, who runs the website The Insneider, Disney is reportedly making a sequel to the

Bring the enchantment of Disney’s Frozen into your home with the Olaf LionChief Train Set by Lionel! Perfectly designed for both Frozen fans and train enthusiasts, this captivating set combines the whimsy of Arendelle with the interactive fun of a classic train. Featuring icy blue hues and delightful graphics of Olaf and Sven enjoying snowy adventures, this train set promises to bring the spirit of Frozen to life in every detail. Credit: Disney Store Olaf LionChief Train Set by Lionel – Frozen $479.99 – Shop now! This Frozen-themed train set includes everything you need to embark on a magical journey. At its heart is the LionChief steam locomotive, complete with a lighted tender that exudes classic charm. A detailed boxcar, a caboose, and a bobbing peekaboo car featuring Olaf and Sven peeking out as the train loops around the track add to the whimsy. Every car is designed to capture the playful, snowy essence of Arendelle, making this train a showpiece as well as a functional delight. The set comes with a full track system, including eight pieces of O36 curved FasTrack, two 10-inch straight track sections, a LionChief FasTrack Terminal section, and a Plug Expand Play Power Lock-on section. A wall pack power supply and a LionChief remote ensure you have everything needed to set up and run your train smoothly. This thoughtfully designed package makes the Olaf LionChief Train Set as easy to assemble as it is delightful to use, making it

Celebrate the whimsy and magic of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland (1951) with Loungefly’s enchanting collection of mini backpacks! These delightful accessories capture the essence of this beloved classic, blending playful, storybook-inspired details with the practicality needed for modern-day adventures. Whether you’re preparing for a mad tea party, embarking on a Disney Parks trip, or simply looking to add a touch of Wonderland to your daily life, these backpacks are perfect companions. Let’s dive into these stunning designs that bring the charm of Wonderland right to your wardrobe! Credit: BoxLunch Loungefly Disney Rabbit Hole Lenticular Mini Backpack $63.92 (Orig. $79.90) – Shop now! Tumble into the curious world of Wonderland with the Rabbit Hole Lenticular Mini Backpack! Inspired by Alice’s iconic journey, this eye-catching bag features a lenticular appliqué of Alice tumbling down amid floating furniture, teapots, and curious objects. The dynamic design, set against an ombré checkerboard backdrop, evokes the surreal and whimsical spirit of Wonderland. Inside, you’ll find a playful interior print that mirrors the fantastical nature of the exterior, adding even more charm to this unique accessory. With adjustable straps and enough room for your essentials, this backpack is both stylish and functional. Perfect for Disney Parks trips or adding a pop of whimsy to your everyday style, the Rabbit Hole Mini Backpack is a must-have for fans who adore Alice’s adventurous spirit. Credit: BoxLunch Loungefly Disney Alice in Wonderland Playing Cards Mini Backpack $63.92 (Orig. $79.90) – Shop now!

When it works, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is truly one of – if not the best – attractions Disney has ever built. It’s immersive, thrilling, and a borderline technical marvel. But emphasis on when it works. Credit: Steven Miller, Flickr Since opening, the star attraction of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has become increasingly well known for its poor temperament. Thanks to the high demand, lines are consistently long, but they grow even longer when it routinely closes for technical issues, which happens to be, well, every day. Back in 2022, average ride downtime hit 122 minutes a day, according to Thrill Data. Things haven’t improved much since. In recent months, we’ve heard plenty of complaints about the state of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort, with a long list of issues affecting rides on both coasts. Some of these end up being temporary, but others have proven problematic for a long time. Galaxy’s Edge has sparked mixed reactions from the start, with many calling it a disappointment in terms of entertainment. An entire land with just two rides feels sparse, but when one of those rides might be out of service by the time you finally reach the front? That takes frustration to a whole new level. Credit: Disney While we think Disney’s chances of adding a third ride to the land are slim to none—at least for the time being—the best thing it could

Walt Disney World, known for its magical experiences and innovative entertainment, has seen a shift in its late-night offerings over the years. Gone are the days when parks like Magic Kingdom stayed open until the early hours of the morning, providing guests with the thrill of exploring after dark. Most Disney parks close earlier, with Magic Kingdom often shutting down around 10 PM, while Disney’s Animal Kingdom wraps up as early as 7 PM. Credit: Michael Lehet, Flickr Animal Kingdom’s earlier closure makes sense due to its focus on wildlife preservation. However, the earlier hours at other parks have disappointed many fans who fondly remember extended evening hours and the beloved Extra Magic Hours. In the past, Disney Resort guests enjoyed exclusive late-night access to the parks during peak seasons, sometimes until 3 AM, without any additional cost. These hours gradually decreased, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 further cemented shorter operating times. Despite reopening, Disney World has not reinstated the extended hours many hoped would return. Instead, Disney has leaned into hard-ticket events, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Disney After Hours, and Jollywood Nights. While these events add unique experiences, they come at an additional cost, making late-night magic less accessible for many visitors. Coupled with rising ticket prices, some fans feel they’re paying more for less time in the parks. Credit: Jess Colopy, Inside the Magic The changes reflect a shift in Disney’s priorities, focusing on profitability through premium experiences rather

Bring the magic of the holidays to your home with the enchanting Mickey and Minnie Mouse “Letters for Santa” Figure by Jim Shore. This beautifully crafted collectible captures the heartwarming essence of the season, featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they post a letter to Santa in a delightful gingerbread-themed mailbox. Dressed in festive attire adorned with Jim Shore’s signature rosemaling patterns, the beloved Disney duo is surrounded by a snowy, candy-coated scene that radiates holiday cheer. Whether you’re a Disney fan or a lover of timeless holiday décor, this figurine is a perfect way to celebrate the season with elegance and charm.  Credit: Disney Store Mickey and Minnie Mouse ”Letters for Santa” Figure by Jim Shore $94.99 – Shop now! This charming Disney collectible by Jim Shore captures the holiday magic with a heartwarming scene featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The beloved duo is dressed in festive attire adorned with Jim Shore’s signature rosemaling patterns, adding a touch of elegance and timeless style to their classic look. With joyful smiles on their faces, Mickey and Minnie are shown posting a letter to Santa Claus, carefully dropping their message into a gingerbread-themed mailbox. Surrounded by a snowy backdrop, the mailbox features intricate detailing that enhances the whimsical charm of the piece, from its candy cane accents to its frosted roof. This delightful decoration perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the season, making it an ideal addition to any Disney fan’s holiday collection.

Get ready to celebrate the holidays with a spooky twist! Loungefly’s The Nightmare Before Christmas mini backpacks, available exclusively at BoxLunch, bring the perfect blend of Halloween Town magic and festive cheer to your accessories collection. Featuring enchanting designs inspired by the iconic Disney film, these backpacks showcase the beloved characters Jack Skellington and Sally in creative and eye-catching ways. From glowing wreaths to snowflake confetti, these bags capture the whimsical spirit of the film while offering practicality and style. Let’s explore these must-have items that will delight fans and turn heads wherever you go! Credit: BoxLunch Loungefly Disney The Nightmare Before Christmas Wreath Glow-in-the-Dark Light-Up Mini Backpack $47.94 (Orig. $79.90) – Shop now! What’s this? It’s your new favorite accessory, perfect for fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas! This enchanting mini backpack brings the holiday magic and spooky charm of Jack Skellington right into your wardrobe. The bag features a striking appliqué of Jack’s iconic skull surrounded by a festive yet eerie wreath adorned with light-up holiday bulbs. Adding an extra layer of Halloween Town fun, the wreath’s eyes and teeth glow in the dark, creating a spine-tingling effect that’s sure to turn heads. This backpack isn’t just a standout on its own—it’s part of a coordinating collection! Be sure to check out the matching crossbody bag and cardholder, sold separately, to complete your look. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party, a spooky adventure, or simply want to showcase your love for

Walt Disney World has made interacting with the Fab 50 statues even more magical by introducing new signage across the parks. These signs provide clear instructions on how to engage with the statues using a MagicBand+, replacing the previous advice to wave in front of them. The change ensures a more consistent and enjoyable experience for guests exploring these interactive elements. Credit: Disney The Fab 50 statues were originally installed as part of Disney World’s 50th anniversary celebration. Each statue represents a beloved Disney character, from Mickey Mouse to Olaf, scattered across the parks. These golden sculptures not only celebrate Disney’s legacy but also bring a touch of whimsy to every corner of the resort. After the 50th anniversary concluded, the statues remained, though the “50” medallions that adorned them were removed. With MagicBand+, guests can activate unique sound effects and animations on these statues by making a circular motion with their wrist. The new signs, placed conveniently next to the statues, demonstrate this motion with a simple graphic and include a QR code that links to the Fab 50 Quest on the My Disney Experience app. This quest allows guests to engage further with the statues, blending technology with Disney’s storytelling magic. Credit: Disney Beyond the statues, MagicBand+ has enhanced the overall park experience. These upgraded wristbands allow guests to interact not only with the Fab 50 statues but also with nighttime spectaculars, such as Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom and Luminous:

Changes have been made to one of Walt Disney World’s most popular rides. Credit: Disney Related: Goodbye, Goldblum: Iconic Star Passes Torch to ‘Jurassic Park’ Replacement Soarin’ Around the World has received a significant update today, one that drops the original film’s ending and replaces it with a new, more accurate depiction of EPCOT. This newly updated ending debuted sometime this week, according to WDWMagic, and marks a major turning point for Soarin’ Around the World and EPCOT as a whole. Soarin’ debuted at EPCOT in 2005, opening an exciting new chapter for Walt Disney World and beefing up the theme park’s selection of rides and attractions. Disney upgraded EPCOT’s version of Soarin in 2016, developing an entirely new film and ride profile. The new version of the ride takes guests around the world, exploring various historical landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal. The ride was given a new name, Soarin’ Around the World, and while still remaining one of Disney World’s more popular rides, it has developed a somewhat negative reputation within the Disney community. However, the ride’s biggest problems would arrive in early 2020 when Disney began work on EPCOT’s massive, multi-year transformation. Despite traveling the globe, Soarin’ Around the World ends at EPCOT, giving guests an aerial view of the theme park they are currently in. The attraction ends with blasts of fireworks above EPCOT’s Fountain of Nations, and while this makes for a dazzling finale, the park has not