Category: InsideTheMagic

For years, Downtown Disneyland has been a vibrant shopping and dining district, offering a mix of Disney charm and high-end retail. But in recent times, guests have voiced concerns about high costs, ticket prices, and a lack of fresh experiences at Disney’s U.S. parks. With Universal’s Epic Universe set to open soon, the pressure is on Disney to re-engage visitors. Could a major refresh at Downtown Disney be part of their strategy? Credit: Disney New Disneyland Locations Coming: An Attempt To Thwart Epic Universe? Disneyland Resort has officially announced a wave of new businesses and dining spots coming soon to Downtown Disney—and they’re no April Fool’s joke. From major brand expansions to unique culinary experiences, these additions signal a shift in Disney’s approach to keeping guests excited and engaged. So, what can visitors expect? Let’s take a closer look. One of the biggest surprises is the arrival of a Lululemon store, bringing its innovative athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories to Downtown Disney. This marks a significant step for Disney as it partners with a globally recognized brand to draw in a wider audience. The new Lululemon shop will take over part of the former ESPN Zone building, offering visitors everything from yoga mats and water bottles to performance wear for activities like golf and tennis. NEW: lululemon and Nectar Life are coming to Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort. Disney says lululemon will be located in the former

For the first time since 2019, all six parks at Walt Disney World — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach — will be open at the same time. That moment arrives on May 21, 2025. And if the timing seems just a little bit strategic, that’s because it absolutely is. Just one day later, on May 22, Universal Orlando is set to open its highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park — the company’s biggest project in decades. Credit: rickpilot_2000, Flickr So yes, this is Disney making a move. A big one. A Historic Reopening Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon haven’t operated simultaneously in six years. Since 2019, Disney has alternated openings between its two water parks, often using staggered refurbishments as the reason. But on April 1, Disney announced that both water parks will be open from May 21 through September 7. Credit: Disney That means, starting May 21, all four major theme parks and both water parks will be running full steam. While this might sound like just a cool summer offering for guests looking to cool down, it’s actually a calculated decision. For theme park fans and industry watchers, this move isn’t just about operational capacity — it’s about competition. Undercutting Universal’s Moment Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe is being billed as a game-changer. With brand-new lands based on SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon, Dark Universe, and The Wizarding World of

Disclosure: The following report is based on rumors about Universal Orlando Resort’s alleged crackdown on hidden tech such as cameras and smart glasses. While previous reports about Universal’s strict enforcement of NDAs and team member terminations have been confirmed by multiple sources, Inside The Magic must emphasize that Universal has not officially verified this latest claim at this time. The thrill of a new theme park opening is often met with eager anticipation, but Universal Orlando Resort’s upcoming Epic Universe has been shrouded in a level of secrecy rarely seen in the industry. That secrecy is now at the center of heated controversy, with rumors swirling that Universal has taken unprecedented steps to prevent any more leaks from slipping through the cracks. Credit: Universal A Wave of Leaks and Sudden Firings at Universal Over the past few weeks, social media has been flooded with whispers of strict policies being enacted behind closed gates. But could it really be true that Universal has banned all forms of eyewear and devices capable of recording? And if so, what led to such drastic action? Epic Universe, Universal Orlando’s highly anticipated new theme park, is set to open its gates in just 51 days, marking a monumental expansion for the resort. But while guests count down to opening day, Universal’s executives seem more concerned about what’s already been revealed. Last week, reports exploded across the internet claiming that nearly 1,000 Universal team members were abruptly fired after violating

On a seemingly ordinary day at Disneyland, an unexpected incident unfolded involving a Disneyland guest who sustained an injury during a malfunction of the popular ride, Space Mountain. Reports emerged detailing the guest’s abrupt encounter with danger when the ride came to an unanticipated halt during an incline. As guests were required to evacuate mid-ride, this incident called attention to the various safety protocols in place within amusement parks. Credit: Disney Description of the Injury The injured guest recounted their experience on social media, describing how the abrupt stop of Space Mountain forced them to navigate an emergency exit. Unfortunately, during the descent from the ride, the guest lost their footing and fell backward. In the process, they cut their wrist on a bracelet, resulting in noticeable bleeding. Although the injury did not appear severe upon initial inspection, it raised significant concern regarding the nature of injuries that can occur during ride breakdowns, underscoring the potential risks associated with the exhilarating experience that theme park attractions offer. Following the incident, the guest expressed feelings of surprise and confusion. In their online post, they shared details of receiving a T-shirt voucher as compensation for the injury, yet they also communicated their uncertainty about how to proceed after the event. They sought guidance from followers who may have faced similar experiences, yearning for clarity on medical attention and compensation issues. Such responses from guests highlight the emotional toll unexpected incidents can springboard in high-energy environments

In honor of April Fools’ Week, let’s take a look at some head-scratching choices that actually happened at Walt Disney World Resort. Credit: Brett Kiger, Flickr Let’s be real—Walt Disney World is usually on point when it comes to planning, dreaming, and executing some of the most magical experiences in the world. But even The Most Magical Place on Earth has had a few “what were they thinking?” moments over the years. Since it’s April Fools’ Day, we’re shining a light on some of the most foolish decisions Disney has made in its Florida parks. Spoiler: these aren’t pranks. They’re real, and they still make us scratch our heads. 1. Alien Encounter: Let’s Terrify the Kids! Credit: Disney Imagine strolling into Tomorrowland with your family, expecting a fun sci-fi experience… and leaving with traumatized children. That was ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter in Magic Kingdom. Sure, it was technically impressive for its time, but the decision to put a pitch-black, scream-filled horror attraction in the middle of a land mostly designed for kids? Bold. Too bold. Disney eventually replaced it with Stitch’s Great Escape, which somehow managed to be a downgrade and eventually would close permanently, as well. Now, that area is reportedly a Cast Member lounge,and while fans still hold out hope of another experience taking over that space in Tomorrowland, we wouldn’t count on it happening anytime soon. 2. Letting The Great Movie Ride Fade Away

Disney World guests are showing they mean business as another operational change hits Magic Kingdom Park. Credit: Inside the Magic As the calendar moves through 2025, an exciting year is unfolding for theme park fans, especially in Central Florida. Universal Orlando Resort is preparing to debut its ambitious new park, Epic Universe, in just over a month, setting the stage for a thrilling new chapter in the region’s theme park landscape. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World Resort is keeping the magic alive with its signature special events and promotions. One of the most highly anticipated offerings, Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park, officially kicked off in the new year with a series of limited-capacity evenings designed for those seeking extra enchantment after dark. Running select nights from January 6 through May 19, 2025, this separately ticketed event allows guests to experience their favorite attractions with minimal wait times, enjoy complimentary treats, and soak in the nighttime splendor of Cinderella Castle. Credit: Disney For those eager to attend, event dates include the already passed January 6, 13, 20, and 27; February 3, 10, 17, and 24, and March 3, 17, 24, and 31. Looking ahead, there’s April 7 and 28; and May 5, 12, and 19. Ticket prices range from $175 to $185 per person (plus tax), with guests able to enter the park as early as 7 p.m., well before official event hours from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. This early entry perk means

Disney has big plans this summer, and no, it’s not an April Fool’s joke. Credit: Disney Related: Nearly-Naked Florida Man Wreaks Havoc in Disney World, Destroys Resort Property Walt Disney World is home to four incredible parks, each with its own collection of rides, attractions, and experiences. From Magic Kingdom to EPCOT, there are a ton of things guests can enjoy during their time at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” For those who want a more relaxing vacation where they can soak up some rays and make a splash in the pool, Disney World also has you covered, as the resort is home to two large water parks. Both Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon feature a number of rides, shops, snacks, and other aquatic adventures, though only one has been open at a time. However, this all changes this summer, with Disney making a historic announcement. Disney World Confirms Both Water Parks Will Be Open This Summer Credit: Disney Related: Disney’s Infamous Retired Airport Service Officially Returns In an unexpected and historic announcement, Walt Disney World confirmed that Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach water parks will be open at the same time, beginning this summer. On May 21, both parks will be open to the park-going public, marking the first time Disney has operated its water parks like this since 2019. This will last through September 7, giving guests ample time to enjoy both of Disney’s water parks. Before the summer fun officially

The Star Wars franchise may be returning to the big screen next year with Jon Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026), but more interesting things are seemingly happening beyond the movie slate. Credit: Lucasfilm It’s no secret that the Star Wars fandom is desperate for the galaxy far, far away to return to movie theaters. It will have been an almost seven-year drought when Favreau’s The Mandalorian and Grogu finally drops–and even then, this flick may see the fourth season of The Mandalorian sacrificed from Disney+. The franchise is in flux, so much so, in fact, that rumors recently swirled of the impending exit of Lucasfilm’s sitting president Kathleen Kennedy. The handpicked executive shut down reports of her retirement from filmmaking and, at the same, time set the record clear on the forthcoming movie slate. Following Favreau’s big screen effort, production will move forward on Shawn Levy’s film. Fresh off the success of his billion-dollar Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) for Disney’s Marvel Studios, the director will turn to the Mouse’s other powerful IP and bring an apparently standalone adventure–which may or may not star Barbie leading man Ryan Gosling. Credit: Lucasfilm Further afield will be James Mangold’s “biblical” Force origin epic, as well as Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s turbulent Rey Skywalker movie, Dave Filoni’s Mando-Verse event, and the recently confirmed Simon Kinberg trilogy that has gone to script. The latter is said to be moving the almost five-decade-old franchise into a new era, firmly leaving the

A man was arrested for allegedly destroying Walt Disney World property at the start of the year. Credit: Disney Related: Disney’s Infamous Retired Airport Service Officially Returns Walt Disney World is known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” but even the Magic Kingdom is susceptible to trouble. With so many guests coming into the parks each day, trouble is bound to arise, with a recent arrest report shedding light on an incident involving a drunk man and a Disney World kiosk. Sean Patrick McHugh started 2025 on a sour note, winding up in handcuffs and behind bars for allegedly wreaking havoc on a kiosk inside the Walt Disney World Resort. According to recently released arrest reports from Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the 24-year-old was intoxicated during the incident, which occurred on the morning of New Year’s Day. “I have reason to believe Sean was intoxicated, and he endangered the safety of another person’s property, and Sean caused a public disturbance,” said Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy Isaiah Figueroa. McHugh then stripped down to his “undergarments” and proceeded to break a sales kiosk. “Sean was immediately verbally told to leave Disney property and not to return; however, Sean refused to do so,” the arrest report stated. Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT have a unique relationship due to the proximity between the two theme parks. This means it’s quite easy for guests to walk to both parks, although they can also grab a water taxi or a bus if they

Fan-favorite Ghostbusters character Louis Tully may have only appeared in the first two films, but he has enjoyed many other appearances in the wider franchise. The Ghostbusters franchise is teeming with iconic characters, whether it’s the titular paranormal investigators and eliminators themselves (which goes far beyond Peter Venkman, Winston Zeddemore, Egon Spengler, and Ray Stantz) or even some of the spectacular spooks and specters such as Slimer and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. Credit: Sony Pictures Though we’re now up to the fifth film in the series, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), there’s already much more to the Ghostbusters franchise than a casual fan might be aware of. Since the original film came out in 1984, there have been two animated shows (The Real Ghostbusters and Extreme Ghostbusters) and several comic books and video games. But, despite there being a long line of Ghostbusters and other supporting characters from secretary Janine Melnitz (Annie Potts) to human villains like Walter Peck (William Atherton), there’s no one who’s quite as adored by fans as blabbering accountant Louis Tully. Ghostbusters (1984) Credit: Sony Pictures In Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989), Louis Tully is played by the equally lovable Rick Moranis. Introduced as Dana Barrett’s interfering but well-intentioned down-the-hall neighbor at the Central Park West apartment building, Tully ends up possessed by an entity known as Vinz Clortho and becomes the Keymaster to Dana’s Gatekeeper/Zuul. Fortunately, after transforming into a “Terror Dog” alongside Dana Barrett (Sigourney Weaver) —