Category: InsideTheMagic

Guests have quite a lot to say about one of Disney’s oldest rides. Credit: Disney Related: Disneyland To Make Significant Operational Changes in 2025, New Schedule Released The Disneyland Resort is full of classic rides and attractions, though none may be quite as infamous as Matterhorn Bobsleds. This fast-paced, family-friendly roller coaster, first opened in 1959, has been sending guests up and down the Swiss Alps for decades. In the years since, Matterhorn Bobsleds has become somewhat of an unofficial iconic for the Disneyland Resort and Disney theme parks in general, ranking as one of the company’s most popular and famous roller coasters of all time. However, Matterhorn Bobsleds is quite old and, as such, can often be painful and rather rough, so much so that a recent discussion formed around the ride, with at least one guest claiming they may never hop back on. Credit: Disney Related: Jonathan Majors’ Scrapped Film Gets New Release Date After Marvel Exit Reddit user shortroundstack shared an image of the Matterhorn on the Disneyland community page with the caption, “I probably will never ride this ride again.” While many guests may say this about a number of rides and attractions at the Disney theme parks, Matterhorn Bobsleds is quite different, as it actually causes quite a bit of pain and is uncommon for riders. This has been a problem for the coaster for quite some time, with lots of guests feeling Matterhorn Bobsleds is too rough and

The magic of Disney World during the holidays is undeniable, with festive decor, exclusive parades, and seasonal treats creating a storybook wonderland for guests. But for millions of families this year, that magic just isn’t worth the hassle. From record-breaking crowds to skyrocketing travel costs, families are opting to stay away from the parks this Christmas season. Airports are bustling with holiday travelers, wait times for popular rides stretch for hours, and the once-beloved holiday experience has become overwhelming for many. In this article, we’ll explore the key reasons families are choosing to skip Disney World during the most wonderful time of the year and how this trend could shape the holiday travel landscape in the years to come. Credit: u/MoreBoobzPlz via Reddit Why Are Families Skipping Christmas Disney World Travel Plans? The allure of Disney World during the holidays is undeniable. The iconic Cinderella Castle shines with festive lights, parades feature Santa Claus alongside Mickey Mouse, and seasonal treats delight guests of all ages. Yet this year, millions of families are choosing to forgo their traditional holiday trips to the “Most Magical Place on Earth.” Why? From overwhelming crowds to soaring travel costs, families are reevaluating the value of a Disney holiday experience. Disney World is no stranger to crowds, but the holiday season elevates visitor numbers to near-capacity levels. According to data from Touring Plans, a popular Disney trip-planning tool, crowd levels during the weeks leading up to Christmas

The next chapter of Captain America is upon us. Credit: Marvel Studios At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed that Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, AKA the Russo Brothers, would return to direct Avengers: Doomsday (formerly Avengers: The Kang Dynasty) and Avengers: Secret Wars, slated for release in May 2026 and 2027, respectively. The shift from Kang the Conqueror to Doctor Doom will be interesting, considering how much air time Jonathan Majors’ Kang (and his associated Variants) had during Phase Four and Phase Five. This shift has left fans questioning how the new direction impacts the MCU’s overarching narrative. The biggest surprise came when it was revealed who would bring Victor Von Doom to life: Robert Downey Jr. The Oppenheimer (2023) star, beloved for his portrayal of Tony Stark/Iron Man from 2008’s Iron Man through 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, is coming back into the MCU—except this time, as its newest villain. Credit: Marvel Studios Multiple names have now been reported and confirmed for Avengers: Doomsday. From Benedict Cumberbatch’s Dr. Stephen Strange/Doctor Strange to Marvel’s First Family, the Fantastic Four, Doomsday is set to feature a cast on an epic scale. Another big legacy name joining Downey Jr. will be Chris Evans. Evans, known for his tenure as Steve Rogers, AKA Captain America, has been a staple of the MCU since 2011’s Captain America: The First Avenger. In the last moments of Endgame, Steve Rogers handed his shield over to Sam

Guests near EPCOT were surprised early this morning when fireworks lit up the sky at an unexpected hour—12:55 a.m., to be exact. The late-night display, which woke some nearby residents and hotel guests, has sparked speculation about the reason behind the unusual timing. One guest, sharing their experience online, wrote, “We were woke up last night at 12:55 a.m. to a bunch of fireworks going off at EPCOT. Anyone know what they were doing or why? My guess was they might have been testing a new show, but I have no idea.” Related: Disney Park Announces New Year’s Eve Closure, 4-Day Shut Down Approved Credit: Disney Speculation Surrounding the Fireworks The timing of the display suggests it may have been part of a show rehearsal or technical testing for EPCOT’s upcoming New Year’s Eve fireworks show. Testing for Disney’s fireworks shows often takes place in the early hours to minimize disruptions for park guests and operations during regular hours. Late-night pyrotechnic tests are not uncommon as Disney Imagineers and technicians fine-tune elements like timing, choreography, and synchronization with music. However, these tests can sometimes catch unsuspecting nearby residents and guests off guard. Epcot fireworks at 12:55 am? byu/dmcgrew inWaltDisneyWorld Disney Remains Silent on the Incident As of now, Disney has not provided any official explanation for the late-night fireworks. Testing for new shows often requires extensive planning and may include several unannounced runs in the early hours leading up to a show’s debut. If the fireworks

An altercation erupted at Disney’s Animal Kingdom last night, marring the experience for parkgoers near the popular Avatar Flight of Passage attraction. According to a guest report, a fistfight broke out as visitors exited the ride, prompting intervention by Disney security. The eyewitness, who described the scene as “deplorable behavior,” shared their account online, stating that they provided a witness statement to Disney security. “I was told they’d 99% for sure be banned for life,” the guest reported, highlighting Disney’s strict zero-tolerance policy toward violence on its property. Related: Fight Breaks Out at Disneyland Restaurant, Multiple Guests Involved Credit: Disney A Magical Day Turned Sour Details about the cause of the altercation remain unclear, but the fight disrupted what is typically a serene and immersive experience in Pandora – The World of Avatar. The attraction, known for its stunning visuals and groundbreaking technology, is a favorite among Disney fans, making the incident even more shocking for those in the vicinity. Witnesses reported seeing Disney security swiftly handle the situation. The individuals involved were reportedly escorted out of the park, with one guest speculating that the participants would likely face a lifetime ban—a severe but not uncommon penalty for such incidents at Disney parks. Fight at Animal Kingdom/Pandora Tonight byu/Shot-Review-8925 inWaltDisneyWorld Disney’s Zero-Tolerance Policy Disney is known for its commitment to creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests. Incidents of physical violence are rare but are met with strict consequences, often including permanent bans from

During a recent live performance at Knott’s Berry Farm, an unexpected incident caught the attention of attendees and theme park fans alike. The beloved character Peppermint Patty, from the Peanuts franchise, experienced a wardrobe malfunction that left the audience both shocked and amused. During the act, her pants fell unexpectedly, revealing her underwear to the audience. This unusual event became a talking point not only in the park but also across various social media platforms shortly after it occurred. The audience’s reactions ranged from laughter to surprise, as they witnessed the character’s unexpected wardrobe malfunction in real-time. Many found the incident humorous, appreciating the lightheartedness it brought to an otherwise ordinary performance day. Video footage of Peppermint Patty’s mishap quickly circulated online, capturing the moment and the audience’s astonished faces. In an age where live performances can be streamed and shared instantly, this incident became a viral sensation among fans of Knott’s Berry Farm. Related: America’s First Theme Park Knott’s Berry Farm Schedules Last-Minute Closure: Park Ceases 2024 Operations This Weekend Credit: Knott’s Berry Farm Audience Response and Humor The reactions of the attendees were a mix of disbelief and amusement. Many found themselves in a state of shock as they witnessed the incident unfold on stage. It was a moment that seemed to blend comedy and calamity, resonating with those who appreciate the unpredictability of live performances. As the clips from the event began trending online, audience members began to

When it comes to creating magical memories, Disney parks are at the top of everyone’s list. However, visiting Disneyland or Disney World during flu season can present challenges if you’re not prepared. Credit: Inside The Magic Stay Healthy and Happy at Disney: Tips to Beat the Flu This Season With large crowds and high-touch surfaces, staying healthy while enjoying the parks requires a little planning. Here’s how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu while still embracing the magic of Disney this season. Get Vaccinated Before Your Trip One of the best ways to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of getting sick and spreading the virus to others. Ideally, you should get the shot at least two weeks before your Disney trip to allow your body time to build immunity. Many local pharmacies, clinics, and even grocery stores offer flu vaccines, and the process is often quick and easy. For those traveling with children, consult with your pediatrician to ensure they are vaccinated and prepared for the trip. Vaccinations not only protect your family but also contribute to the safety of everyone visiting the parks. The more people vaccinated, the lower the overall risk of flu outbreaks. Credit: @bioreconstruct on X Pack a Flu-Fighting Toolkit Preparing for your Disney adventure

It has been reported that Universal Orlando Resort’s Volcano Bay water park will remain closed on December 21 and 22 due to “inclement weather” in Central Florida. The park, which frequently adjusts its schedule during cooler months, has faced multiple closures this season as temperatures dip below ideal levels for water park operations. The most recent closure occurred on December 12, and now, lower-than-average temperatures are prompting the park to close once again. Related: Universal Theme Park to Close Effective Immediately Credit: Universal Central Florida’s Unseasonable Chill According to Weather.com, Orlando is expected to see highs of 62°F and lows of 44°F on December 21, with only a 3% chance of precipitation. On December 22, temperatures are forecasted to be slightly higher, with a high of 68°F. However, water parks in the area typically require temperatures above 70°F to maintain a comfortable guest experience. While these temperatures might seem mild compared to colder regions, they fall short of the warm, sunny conditions that attract visitors to Volcano Bay. Volcano Bay’s operations are particularly sensitive to cooler weather. Unlike traditional theme parks, water parks depend on higher temperatures to provide guests with a safe and enjoyable experience. Seasonal closures are common, especially during winter months when Central Florida occasionally experiences unseasonably cool weather. Weather Update Universal Volcano Bay will be closed on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22, due to inclement weather. For park updates, please call 407-817-8317 or stay tuned to Universal

Indefinite attraction closures are affecting one Universal Studios theme park, with no reopening date in sight. Attraction closures are an unavoidable part of theme park operations, Universal included. To ensure smooth operations, rides and shows must frequently undergo refurbishment, receiving the necessary care to uphold the park’s reputation for delivering high-quality, immersive entertainment. Credit: Universal Studios Japan Not that that makes the closures any less frustrating in the meantime. For the most part, Universal closes a small number of its attractions at a time, in order to mitigate the impact that has on parkgoers. However, one theme park has shuttered over half a dozen of its attractions indefinitely – some for years now – with no reopening date in sight. Universal Studios Japan Shutters Rides En Masse The Osaka theme park, which recently debuted Donkey Kong Country – its newest Nintendo-themed land – has an unfortunate reputation for closed attractions in recent years. Credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, Flickr That’s despite its other reputation for massive crowds, which have made headlines on countless occasions. The following eight attractions are currently or soon to be listed as closed indefinitely on the Universal Studios Japan website: Sesame Street 4-D Movie Magic Shrek’s 4-D Adventure Snoopy’s Sound Stage Adventure Jurassic Park – The Ride Wand Studies Ernie’s Rubber Duckie Race Sesame’s Big Drive Universal Spectacle Night Parade: The Best of Hollywood Credit: Universal Studios Japan

Being a Harry Potter fan has become increasingly contentious in recent times, and the controversy appears to be taking a toll: the company behind one of the franchise’s largest ventures is currently grappling with financial losses. The Ever-Growing Controversy of JK Rowling JK Rowling may have created one of the most beloved franchises in pop culture history, but she has found herself at the center of ongoing controversies that have divided fans and critics alike in recent years. Credit: Universal Studios Rowling has faced significant backlash for her comments on social media regarding transgender issues, which many have labeled as transphobic. Over the years, the author has drawn comparisons between transgender people and Voldemort’s Death Eaters, condemned Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson for opposing her views, and clashed with prominent transgender activists in heated online debates. While she has defended her views as advocating for women’s rights, critics argue that her statements undermine the rights and identities of transgender individuals. The backlash has extended beyond social media, impacting public reception of Rowling’s involvement in new projects tied to the Harry Potter franchise. Many fans have expressed discomfort with financially supporting ventures that benefit Rowling, leading to a split in the fanbase. While some have attempted to separate the art from the artist, others feel that doing so ignores the harm they believe her statements have caused. This tension was particularly evident during the release of “Hogwarts Legacy,” a video game set in the Wizarding